At halftime in their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Benin, Nigeria’s Super Eagles trailed 1-0 after a disappointing first-half performance in Abidjan.
- Mohamed Tijani’s 15th-minute header was enough to give Benin the lead, taking advantage of sloppy defending from the Nigerian side.
- One of the main disappointments for the Super Eagles was goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who failed to communicate effectively with his defenders and was caught off guard by Tijani’s headed goal.
- Nwabali’s indecisive movement and inability to handle the cross highlighted the lack of cohesion in the Nigerian defense.
- Alex Iwobi underperformed, squandering an early opportunity set up by Victor Osimhen in the 9th minute, failing to control the ball under pressure inside the six-yard box.
- This missed chance proved costly as Benin gained confidence and pulled ahead.
- Victor Osimhen, known for his clinical finishing, missed a golden opportunity in the 41st minute, sending his header wide while completely unmarked.
- His wasted opportunity denied Nigeria the chance to equalize before the break and raised doubts about the Super Eagles’ attacking effectiveness.
