Penalty leads Nigeria past Benin

(GSM) – Nigeria are still alive in Group C of the African Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Benin on Saturday.

After losing their opening match to Egypt, most of the pressure was on Nigeria to collect three points from their second game.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 42nd minute. Benin defender Romualde Boco handled the ball in the penalty area and Aiyegbeni Yakubu made no mistake from the spot.

Benin took control in the second half and even hit the crossbar on one occasion, but World Cup participants Nigeria held on to their narrow lead to earn their first points in this tournament.

The other match in this group, between Egypt and Mozambique, is scheduled to be played later on Saturday.