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Substitute Paul Onuachu scored a late winner as Super Eagles beat Benin 1-0 at the Stade Charles de Gaulle on Saturday night, reports Completesports.com.
Onuachu nodded home from a goalmouth scramble in the 93rd minute as Super Eagles put an end to Benin’s eight- year unbeaten home run.
Henry Onyekuru had Nigeria’s best chance in the first half but his well struck shot was saved by Saturnin Allagbe.
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen also came also came close with a fine effort.
Benin striker Steve Mounie got two chances within a minute to put the hosts ahead but was thwarted by Maduka Okoye.
Osimhen’s shot early in the second half hit the upright.
At the other end, Mounie failed to direct his header from Youssouf Assogba’s on target.
Onuachu took the place of Kelechi Iheanacho in the 70th minute, while Benin also had Michael Pote replace Cebio Soukou.
Read Also: Live Blogging: Benin Republic Vs Nigeria (2021 AFCON Qualifiers)
Enyimba’s Anayo Iwuala came on for his Super Eagles debut as a substitute for Onyekuru nine minutes from time.
Two minutes later, Chidozie Awaziem took the place of Ola Aina for Nigeria’s third substitution of the game.
Onuachu netted the winning goal in added time to break the heart of the home fans.
The Super Eagles still top Group L with 11 points from five matches, while Benin sit second with seven points and Sierra Leone follow in the third spot with four points.
Gernot Rohr’s men will host Lesotho in their final match of the qualifiers on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium , Lagos.
29 Comments
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.”
Psalms 118:22
Paul, keep keeping them quiet. You have nothing to prove to anyone.
But I thought most people here have been clamouring for Onuachu’s inclusion? They even suggested that the coach change the formation and pattern to suit the lanky player…
Congratulations dear Super Eagles.
Not everyone. You had some set of noise makers who would tell you he is not good for the super eagles. He doesn’t do this or that. Even those that last 90 mins didn’t score. Thought he is not eagles material
Congratulations super eagles, congratulations paul onuachu, well done boys!!!!
Onuachu’s situation is similar to Lukaku’s in Ole Gunnar’s Man U. Lukaku, a lethal striker, didn’t fit Ole’s style, and he was sold off. That’s what happening to Paul. He is not in the mould of strikers that Rohr wants.
Congrats to Super eagles, and good job paul Onuachi. I was impressed by Sanusi and Iwuala. Iwuala!, Iwuala!, what a stocky, fast dribbling player!. keep it up .
Thank you guys for silencing boastful beninouns and their coach. Focus now shifted on winning afcon
I was one of the harshest critic of Onuachu when he was subbed. I thought he was going to be huffing and puffing round the field with zero contribution. But I was utterly surprising by his energy and purposeful runs and positioning! Something obviously changed in his attitude. You’ve won a new convert. Congrats SE. I still have my doubts about this team going into next year’s Afcon and coming up against the big guns like Senegal, Algeria, Morroco and CIV – although the doubt is not as intense as before this game.
I was criticised when I said Paul Onuachu gives the Super Eagles a viable option B and that he is one of our deadliest outlets inside the 18 yard box.
Oh well!
I was also happy with the way homebased Iwuala injected purpose into the Super Eagles play when he came in.
Anyways, congrats to the Super Eagles.
You sure never stop believing in players fans get fed up with for their successive run of poor games as you tend to always have a sixth instinct about them. Onuachu and Kelechi have finally come good :).
You’re right. @Deo had stood like the Iroko tree in my village square behind Seniorman Kelechi whose wings are now getting stronger and stronger. Now (PO, P-Longus … I don’t even know the befitting moniker yet) is emerging from under the turbulent waves, looking at the sky. Congrats!
Well one thing is certain, constructive critcism has helped some of our players to sit up both for their club and for the national team which is good for their own career as well.
Player like onyekuru,kelechi and onuachu have come to show to us that criticism sometimes most especially a good one could just be a vitamin that they need in other to up their game.
Up eagles!!!!
@Yinkus the three players you mentioned are in a very good shape for their clubs,as you can see them apply that for the national team.
Its not the criticism that propelled them to play well rather their form!
Benin was good defensively, with the sweeps and blocks. Nigeria had a lot of turnovers, constantly and missed shots.
But these Africans games reminds me of last year or so when there was a streak of 0-0 scores and its happening again. I don’t know if its the quality of African football or some of these players playing poor in Europe carrying their performance to the national team. And a biracial goalkeeper ain’t gonna change a dam thing. Almost every Afican game is see its nill nill. Its so poor, i’m watching Benin when they had chances on a fast break but they were not fast enough to even get the ball and they crumbled
in the end.
Some players play well for the club but not for the national team. Osimhen was trying though but a classic end to game from Onuachu. But overall the game was terrible to watch.
The game rather was interesting!the playing pitch could have made football better but for the bad turf yet super eagles managed it well and played good football.In the circumstances our boys are able to adapt,took control of proceedings and won at a stadium many good teams have come and not conquered.
Given the circumstances of qualifying prior to the match our boys were professional and played to win,they rather should be praiseworthy and lauded for there professionalism and performances,it’s not easy.
congratulations is in order.
The torrid pitch made it tough for us to play our fast attacking game. It as well affected the host. The sooner African nations understand that a good turf helps develop the game and quality of her players, the better for them.
The Beniniose stoic organisation made it even tougher for us. Truth be told. The squirrels were a hard drill.
Congrats to Onuachu for taking his chance. He has done himself a lot of good putting his name back in favour.like I have always said; life is all about time and chance. He has taken his today; I sincerely hope he continues to take and build on this positively. Though, he scored, there are still part of his game that needs finessing. But wouldn’t criticise today. Today is Onuachu’s day. He deserves it.
Must state ; we did miss Iwobi! He is the link from that midfield to attack. His quick thinking . Quick release. Fast touch; was sincerely missing. Especially in the first half when the Beniniose played more defensive and compact.
All in all; I am impressed by The lads. They really wanted to win. Even if they knew it wasn’t necessary. They still pulled their hearts out on that field today. I am proud.
Thumbs up to Sanusi, Onyekuru, Ndidi,Balogun ,Osimhen . They did fantastically well.
Special thumbs up to the boy, Iwuala. He did really well. Though he made wrong call one time; it is allowed. His first game, he was overly excited and wanted to impress. Too much so. Good game. He has done well for himself,the league and the country. Hopefully he keeps the momentum. His life could just be about to change. For the better.
Congratulations to the Eagles, Nigerians , NFF, Rohr and his team..
ONUACHU was lucky, he did not play anything. Osimhen should have scored that goal.
apart from the header he did nothing.
Nigerians and sentiments
Dumb assertion. That was how he luckily scored 27 goals for his club this season I guess.
Paul Onuachu has let them know that his 27 goals in Belgium is no child’s play and shot some people up
All the players did their part. Osimhen was a constant threat, sanusi kept overlapping tirelessly, the midfield kept linking the players, there were a few lose long passes but in the end they all deserve commendation especially paul onuachu who stretched his best to get his head to that ball and the coach who went all out to get the win. Coach rohr even player with two strikers throughout the game, what a wonderful win and qualification with a game in hand. I hope the coach uses this one game to play other players and give them a chance to show what they can do. Go Super Eagles!
Don’t under rate anybody in life….Paul you have proven yourself today. Kudos to you
We really missed Iwobi. Aswear. But generally, the team did so well. Okoye, Aina, Ekong, Balogun, Zaidu, Ndidi (he has improved a lot), Aribo, Iheanacho, Osimhen, Onuachu (He did better than his last performance but his hold up play and passing is still suspect), Iwuala. In my opinion, these players we’re really impressive. But Chukwueze was not in his best elements today. Most of the dribbles he attempted were thwarted by the opposing defenders. Onyekuru was even the worst. I was expecting that he will put up a display that will be better than that of Simon and Kalu who are the two players that have been playing that position for us. But he couldn’t. In fact, I can’t recall seeing him successfully dribble the opposing defender on his flank. As a winger, sometimes you have to dribble the full back in your flank to either cut in, shoot at goal or cross. That is exactly what Moses, Kalu, Musa, Chukueze do. Iwobi would have surely done better in that position if he were available. Then look at the goal he missed. He was balanced, he saw the ball coming and had a clear view of the goal post and the goalkeeper’s postion but still missed the goal. But I must commend him for good positioning when the cross was about to be delivered. But in all honesty, that chance was a golden one. He should have scored it.
In my opinion, his showing today is not enough to displace either Kalu or Simon. Maybe, he would bettwe against Lesotho on Tuesday. I’m sure he will get another chance on Tuesday, because apart from Iwuala, Musa, and Iwobi, I don’t think we have any other player in camp, who can play in that left wing.
Finally, let me use this opportunity to say a Big Congratulations to all of us. See y’all in Cameroun.
NB – Having qualified, it would good to see what some of these benchers can do. But the Rohr we know wouldn’t make much changes to today’s team.
Congratulation to our PE TEACHER, BELMADI BOY & MECHANIC coach for meeting his first target in style…
If i say i’m happy with this victory then i’m an hypocryte….
I actually wanted a draw just for BENIN REP. to make it to CAMEROUN on a platter of gold….
Now they have a great mountain to climb….
I pray they make it through….
Nevertheless, our mechanic coach, PE teacher and Belmadi boy congratulation once again…
I’ll rather have (YOU) this mechanic, PE teacher, Belmadi boy as my coach that makes qualification that we use to struggle look like “inter house sport competition”.
:::::SHALOM:::::
Onuachu was brought in because we were winning a lot of corner kicks but not utilizing them. So, that particular strategy by the coach paid off
@Dr.Drey, you can see clearly now that you know nothing about football.
You are switching mouth at the moment and you even quoting Bible?
You quoting Bible, chai, wonder shall never ends ooo.
You that preferred devil to we human beings? God have mercy on us o.
Your boss, Ayphillydegreat went straight ahead and calling Onuachu Iroko trees. That Iroko trees is the one that making Nigeria proud today.
Nonetheless, did you notice the attack was more solid with the introduction of Onuachu? Oga Rohr should work on his tactics.
I have said it here and I thank God for looking after me every day.
Yes I did say it that one day, my pikin Onuachu will make me happy and proud and he’s making Nigerians happy today. Hmm. Now, I am the proudest parent in the world because my son is making my nation happy today.
Now, let me analyze the match a bit.
You see Dr. Drey, in today’s match, it shows that the level of favorism in the Super Eagles is very high.
Uzoho is our no1 after this match. Okoye made too much errors and if Var was used
in today’s match, the match would have ended 1-1 and also, the gaffer needed more of the home based players in the team if we have to win in Cameroon.
Oga Rohr have joined the Western world that believes nothing good can come out of Africa that is why he doesn’t believe we have fantastic players in Nigeria and he also preferred German/Nigerian players to other players in the team. That is racism and we won’t accommodate any such from the gaffer.
Mr. Westerhof and Johannes Bonfrere didn’t do that they won Nigeria trophies.
He claims that our league is very bad and our local players are nothing to Wright home about but we saw what one of the home based players did in today’s match.
Oga Rohr deciples destroyed the home based players because the gaffer have brainwashed them all and I think this is the right time for them all to wake up from sleep.
Is anything to be happy for today absolutely, yes. Yes, Nigeria have qualified. Eeeeee congratulations to all of us bravo papapa, eeeeee.
Hmm. We shouldn’t be over joy at the moment.
We have players no doubt and again, the Benin coach said it before the match that he would defend throughout the match and whenever the opportunity comes, he would attack the Eagles which he did.
He made it difficult for Super Eagles and the coaches.
Why late sub and wrong tactics?
Oga Rohr would have substituted Osimehen for Onuachu while the gaffer would have tried out the combinations of Onuachu and Nacho because we all knew that we have qualified already.
Awaziem would have comes in before that time.
Selfishness of our attackers is now getting somebody worried.
Onyekuru would have scored goals in today’s match but the selfishness of Chukwueze and some times Osimhen have letting the team down big time.
Also, the action of the Benin coach was helping his team to fight the opposition while our coaches hardly showed their skills in the game.
How far can we go in Cameroon? It is very clear that the Nigerian team is finding it difficult to win against the organized and disciplined teams.
I’m happy that we have qualified but what left to be done after the Afcon qualifications really bigger than the coaching crew of Nigeria.
Onyekuru is well known for his ability and quality since he has bn playing for Nigeria but again, the coach have no trust in him. We saw his qualities in today’s match.
For these reasons, I don’t know if we can win the trophy in can Cameroon.
If we eventually be crowned the continental trophy then Oga Rohr should be considered for the manager role but if he failed to do so then his time is up and lastly, the Afcon tournament in Cameroon will definitely determine the future of the gaffer.
Congratulations Nigeria. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Hahahahaha…LMAO….Are you done…???
You see that COVID-25 wey don hook you so….e jus dey start….LMAO. Rederede lo n gbehin ere osupa. We are expecting more rederede senseless comments from you.
Thanks omo oja. Let that parrot mouth keep yabbing garbage. All there top strikers could not even score through out the whole game. And one substitute did what they couldn’t do. Like you stated our chances at Afcon is not encouraging. This current team doesn’t give any confidence that they can easily win games. We’ll let’s keep praying for them. Hope things will change by January. Also kudos to Henry, all those saying he is not eagles material was MOM for me
Hahahahaha….shame don dey catch all of them….see dem…LMAO. Mechanic don do wetin entire overrated guadiolas nor fit do. Go and hang yourselves if you dont have confidence in the team. Your confidence is not of any use to us….LMAO.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaa,if we allow this thing called Omogja to continue like this insanity might just be his lot ooo.. LMAO what a comment?no head no tail just a meaningless piece of write up.
Any ways I congratulate the team and Nigerians.Aside from the last minute goal, the team controlled the game from the begining to the end.The home team only relied on packing the bus which made goal scoring very difficult for us as it will for any team in the world.
African football is improving by day in terms of the team play.In other words there are no small teams in African anymore.Egypt laboured to a draw against the Kenyans.Even the defending champions laboured to a slim win to qualify.For this reason I congratulate the se.
The home base guy was not bad,but will find it difficult to bench anyone in his possition on a good day. He lost the ball too many times as he made frantic efforts to impress. Even where he was suppose to square play for the team mates to score he still played it out.He must improve on his DICISION making.
Even though we missed Iwobi the all round play was good and composed.We can only ask that the team should improve on its creativity.