Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Austine Eguavoen has explained the factors that made the team to force host Benin Republic to a 1-1 draw in the AFCON qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
A clumsy start to the game saw them fall 0-1 . behind with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali failing to deal with a routine header from Muhammed Tijjani in the 16th minute.
Nine minutes from time substitute Moses Simon helped Victor Osimhen to make atonement for his missed header in the first half with a peach of a ball, which he directed home for the leveler that effectively sealed Nigeria’s spot at the AFCON next year.
However as a team they failed to match the height expected of them with everyone available for selection. Eguavoen defended the display and congratulated the players for making it to the AFCON, which he said was their target coming into the game.
“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer.
“The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday”, he explained.
