Nigeria faces Cameroon again

The Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out brimming with confidence but wary of their West African neighbours on a breezy and chilly day in Sfax.

Benin appears more purposeful when Tchomogo Oumar brought out the best in Enyeama in goal for Nigeria as early as the 2nd minute, after galloping past George Abbey.

The Eagles reciprocated bravely but Kanu Nwankwo’s first shot at goal went wide.

The stadium came alive in the 20th minute, as Okocha’s side footed shot was parried over the cross bar by Benin goal keeper Maximes.

Two minutes later, Seyi Olofinjana headed wide from an Okocha’s corner kick, and the SK Brann of Norway midfielder rued his missed header.

The squirrels escaped going down in the 32nd minute as Aghahowa’s low cross was nearly turned into the Benin net by Emmanuil Samuel but it struck the upright.

Nigeria’s effort finally paid off through Garba Lawal in the 35th minute, after the midfielder poked in a rebounded shot from Kanu.

Eagle’s dominance

The Squirrels had no answer to the brilliant play of the Eagles, and the Nigerians started the second half more focused and determined.

Osaze Odemwingie, who scored twice as a substitute against South Africa, was introduced in place of Julius Aghahowa. His first contribution is a reckless tackle on Jonas Oketola, earning the sub a booking within seconds of coming on.

Once again, Odemwingie's pace looks to have taken him clear and he was clearly tripped, but referee Fatah Essam Abdel waved play on, to the fury of the young Eagle.

Nigeria’s dominance was effectively rewarded in the 76th minute, as John Utaka capitalised on a defensive blunder by Benin defender, Anicet Adjamossi rounding off the goal keeper, before tucking the ball into an empty net, sending the Nigerian fans wild into celebration.

George Abbey nearly triple Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute but his header from six yards courtesy an Odemwingie cross went wild.

The Nigerian side got lost in the euphoria of the lead and got punished with few seconds left on the clock, allowing Moussa Latoundji to score Benin's first goal of the tournament, arriving unchallenged to turn home a long throw.

Okocha on Nigeria’s performance:

“The Benin team had nothing to lose and we went out to do what we had to do and the focus was just to qualify and nothing more” says Austin Okocha.

“I think we played hundred percent, it was difficult because there was no pressure on them.

“We just had to be careful because we needed the points, we are happy to be through to the next round” he added

Jay Jay speaks on facing Eto’o Fils, as regards CAF awards:

 “To be honest, I am not thinking about any personal award, am thinking about my team, I even wonder why they are waiting for the nations cup before picking the winner of the CAF awards”

“I don’t think they should judge with what we play here but all that are secondary, it’s my team first” he concluded.

Chukwu speaks on Benin game:

“Today’s game was very tricky; we needed to win to qualify, so we had to be very cautious. We didn’t want to underrate anyone and it is good that we are now through to the Quarter finals”.

On Substitution:

“I think my substitutions were okay, I wanted everybody to have a taste of the game because they were getting match rusty, I didn’t see anything wrong with the changes, others must have a feel of the game in case there’s anything wrong and we need them in the next game” Chukwu explained.

On playing Kanu for all 90-minutes:

“Kanu was different today, he was more forceful in attack and you and I can see that”

On playing Cameroon:

“We have not come here to select any country, we are ready for them, now we have to go home and think about Cameroon and you’ll agree with me that the most important thing is to qualify”.

Eto'o ducks Nigeria

"It's unfortunate we are facing Nigeria, it's one clash I had silently prayed to avoid but things do happen in football" he told www.nigeriasports.com

Additional report from Opatola Adewole