The Super Eagles has come from behind to defeat their visitor, Benin republic 2-1 in their first 2021 African Cup of Nation fixture at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo on Wednesday night.
Lille of France forward, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu were on target for the Super Eagles in the game, while Stephane Sessegnon got Benin’s only goal.
The Squirrels stunned their hosts when captain of the side Sessegnon put the ball into the net in the 2nd minute.
Joel Dossou dribbled past Jamilu Collins before squarring for Sessegnon who fired the ball beyond Daniel Akpeyi.
Alex Iwobi came close to getting the equaliser for the home team in the 14th minute but his left footed shot was well saved by Fabian Farnolle.
Nigeria came close to equalising five minutes before the break, but Samuel Chukuweze’s fine effort from Osimhen’s pass came off the cross bar.
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time after Ola AIna was upended inside the box.
Osimhen brilliantly tucked the ball home despite Farnolle diving the right way.
Kalu netted the winning goal in the 62nd minute following a brilliant solo effort.
The Squirrels nearly grabbed an equaliser late on when Dossou danced his way through the Nigerian defence and crashed a powerful shot off the crossbar.
Farnolle also denied Iwobi moments later palming away his shot from outside the box.
In the other Group L match also played on Wednesday, home side Sierra Leone were forced to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho at the Siaka Stevens Stadium, Freetown.
Kwame Quee shot Sierra Leone into the lead in the 77th minute. Lesotho’s hard work paid off late in the encounter when Jane Thaba-Ntso netted the equaliser in the 90th minute.
Nigeria lead Group L after matchday-one on three points. Lesotho – the away team in the Freetown draw, are second on one point. Sierra Leone are third on one point, while Benin Republic are at the bottom without any point.
