Home-based Eagles skipper and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has led Nigeria to Sunday’s WAFU Cup final


Nigeria pipped 10-man Benin 1-0 today in Cape Coast to qualify for this year’s WAFU Cup in Ghana.

They now await the winners of the other semi-final between hosts Ghana and Niger.

Last month, Nigeria also eliminated Benin from next year’s CHAN after they won a final playoff 2-1 on aggregate.

Match winner for the home-based Super Eagles was Kano Pillars star Rabiu Ali, who hit target as early as the 11thminute.

The experienced midfielder drilled home a through ball to give the eagles the lead in this grudge match.

He also scored against the same team in Kano last month.

Benin suffered a major setback after 33 minutes when Koukpo Marcellin was sent off after a second booking.

But despite their numerical disadvantage, Benin chased the game in the second half.
The exciting Charbel Gomez tormented Nigeria right back Osas Okoro from the first half but Benin could still not get past the Eagles defence, which has now gone five straight games without letting in a goal.

Peter Eneji had Nigeria’s best chances after the interval but he failed to convert any.
Super Eagles vs Benin (4-4-2):Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Olamilekan Adeleye, Emmanuel Ariwachuwu – Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Afeez Aremu, Rabiu Ali (Gabriel Okechukwu 85), Peter Eneji – Friday Ubong (Samuel Matthias 68), Anthony Okpotu
Coach: Salisu Yusuf.


http://scorenigeria.com.ng/2017/09/21/eagles-edge-past-benin-to-reach-sundays-wafu-cup-final/