Paul Onuachu scored a 92nd-minute header as Nigeria secured a 1-0 win over Benin in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Stade de l’amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou in Porto-Norvo.
Maduka Okoye was called into action as early as the third minute to deny Steve Mounia from close range, after a poor clearance from the Super Eagles goalkeeper.
Nigeria nearly broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Iheanacho played a neat one-two with Osimhen, but his thunderous shot went over the bar win Benin keeper well-beaten.
Gernot Rohr’s men continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession in the early stages and nearly doubled their advantage in the 14th minute but Ndidi fired well wide of the mark from inside the area.
The hosts nearly went ahead in the 25th minute when Sebio showed a great turn of pace to lose Roche , before forcing Okoye into a save at the near post.
Super Eagles enjoyed more of the ball as the half went on, as the like of Chukwueze, Iheanacho and Osimhen linked up on a few occasions, although they failed to test Allagbe at Benin goalmouth.
Benin should have gone ahead in the 54th minute when Mounie played Jodel Dossou through on goal, however the Clermont Foot midfielder managed to place his effort wide of the mark with only Okoye to beat.
Super Eagles went close n the 71st minute when Osimhen teed up Onyekuru in the box, but the midfielder sliced his effort just wide of the target.
Allagbe came to Benin’s rescue once again in the 80th minute, as he got down well to deny substitute Anayo Iwuala from the edge of the area.
Benin nearly broke the deadlock in the 87th minute, as Michael Pote showed great control, before seeing his low effort palmed away by Okoye.
The moment of the match then arrived in the final minute as Onuachu headed in from Chukwueze’s corner after Alagbe had parried Osimhen effort.
Nigeria sit on top with 11 points four behind Benin who places second in the Group L ahead of final qualifiers fixtures on Tuesday.
