| CAN Nigeria 1 Benin 0: Post Denies Squirrels | ||||
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s first half penalty puts the Eagles back on track for the quarterfinals.
The victory puts Nigeria on three points from two matches, leaving them within reach of the knockout stages. Shaibu Amodu made several changes from the side that was defeated by Egypt by a score line of 3-1 for the Group C encounter including dropping Taye Taiwo and Obinna Nwaneri . Yakubu should have put Nigeria in front in the 15th minute when he latched on to a through ball from Dickson Etuhu and was one on one with Benin keeper Rashad Chitou. Benin’s best chance came when PSG playmaker Stephane Sessegnon’s 30 meter shot deflect off the bar just before half-time. Nigeria earned a penalty before half-time when Romuald Boco handballed Odemwingie’s goal-bound header in the box, Yakubu slotted home the penalty to put the Super Eagles in front. Benin had a great chance to equalize when they were again denied by the crossbar which was struck by a rocket shot from Nouhoum Kobena.
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