Paul Onuachu scored the only goal of Saturday’s 2022 African Cup of Nations qualification match against the Republic of Benin at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo as Nigeria won 1-0.
Nigeria had already qualified even before their clash with Benin as Saturday’s earlier game between the two other group L opponents, Lesotho and Sierra Leone had finished goalless.
This meant the two countries could no longer catch the Super Eagles on the table.
Onuachu, however, had other ideas as he came on as a substitute to score the only goal of the game against Benin in the 93rd minute to all but confirm Nigeria as group L winners.
The goal was Onuachu’s second ever in the colours of Nigeria despite scoring regularly for KRC Genk of Belgium. Complete Sports’ Oluyemi Ogunseyin rates all the 14 Eagles stars (11 starters and 3 substitutes) that were in action versus Benin…
Maduka Okoye (7)
Maduka Okoye appears to have cemented his place as the Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper after yet another commanding performance for Nigeria against Benin on Saturday.
The Sparta Rotterdam of the Netherlands shot-stopper did not have much to do, though but gave a good answer when called upon after saving well from a Steve Mounie shot.
Ola Aina (6)
Ola Aina had little or nothing to do, especially defensively as the Super Eagles contained their Beninoise opponents, the versatile Fulham star, however, didn’t do much overlapping.
The former Chelsea and Torino defender was finally taken off for Chidozie Awaziem in the 83rd minute of the encounter which took place in Porto-Novo.
William Troost-Ekong (7)
Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong did not have much defending to do, although Mounie almost capitalised on his indecision from a long ball six minutes after half-time.
Troost-Ekong also gave Nigerians a scare when he was knocked down by goal-scorer, Paul Onuachu while running away to celebrate his winning strike versus Benin.
Leon Balogun (6)
Just like his partner and skipper, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun did not also have much defending to do particularly with Benin being lethargic in front of goal.
Balogun was mostly idle in the opening half but when Benin changed their approach and did better to sustain attacks in the second 45 minutes, the Rangers defender was equal to the task.
Zaidu Sanusi (7)
Zaidu Sanusi appeared to start the game on the back foot as the FC Porto left full-back was quiet going forward on overlapping runs for the Super Eagles.
Sanusi was, however, unlucky to not contribute an assist just before half-time when his brilliant run and equally perfect cross to Henry Onyekuru was stopped by Saturnin Allagbe in goal for Benin.
Sanusi eventually had a hand in Paul Onuachu’s goal in the third minute of added-on time as his corner-kick was almost converted by Victor Osimhen. It was from the rebound that Onuachu produced a sublime header.
Wilfred Ndidi (7)
Wilfred Ndidi did the normal things that he was supposed to do on the pitch despite the Leicester City star often finding himself all alone in the middle of the park.
Ndidi, however, performed well enough to hold his own, more especially, as a result of the home side’s ineffectiveness in both the midfield and attack.
Joe Aribo (6)
Joe Aribo probably needs to be deployed in his natural position as an attacking midfielder as the Rangers star was barely involved in the game against Benin.
Apart from that, it appears that the former Charlton Athletic player continues to underwhelm in a two-man midfield alongside Wilfred Ndidi for the Super Eagles.
Samuel Chukwueze (6)
Samuel Chukwueze to the surprise of those live at the stadium and even people watching on their television sets at home three away a gilt-edged chance to put Nigeria ahead in the 47th minute.
The Villareal of Spain attacking sensation, however, improved after the break but despite creating a couple of goal-scoring opportunities from set-pieces, he was quiet in open play.
Henry Onyekuru (7)
Henry Onyekuru who is currently shining on loan at Galatasaray of Turkey got a rare Nigeria start but that happened only because Alex Iwobi was absent after reportedly testing positive to Covid-19.
Onyekuru thrived in the opening half before fading after half-time. Created openings with his runs, set up Kelechi Iheanacho and had the Super Eagles’ best chance before the interval but was denied by goalkeeper Allagbe.
Kelechi Iheanacho (6)
Kelechi Iheanacho was very close to putting Nigeria ahead early into the encounter and that was when the Nigerian attacking ace stung the palm of Allagbe with a powerful effort.
The in-form Leicester City forward, however, dropped off on his performance in the second half and was replaced by Paul Onuachu in the 69th minute.
Victor Osimhen (7)
Nigeria’s top striker, Victor Osimhen could not add to his four goals so far in the 2022 African Cup of Nations qualification on his return to the team.
The Napoli of Italy forward was, however, unlucky not to find the back of the net with an effort that hit the post early into the second-half before being denied late on by Allagbe as Onuachu converted the rebound into a goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Paul Onuachu (6)
Paul Onuachu played for only 21 minutes but that did not stop the KRC Genk of Belgium striker from getting his name into headlines after netting the winning goal.
The much-maligned target man replaced Kelechi Iheanacho in the 69th minute and got the winner at the death, heading home from a rebound despite being anonymous for the preceding 20 minutes.
Anayo Iwuala (4)
Anayo Iwuala replaced Henry Onyekuru with ten minutes remaining in the game. The Enyimba attacker struck a powerful shot in the 91st minute but the ball only went wide.
Chidozie Awaziem (4)
Chidozie Awaziem who is currently playing on loan at Boavista from FC Porto came on for Ola Aina in the 83rd minute of the encounter and well, the Eagles didn’t concede.