A goal from Paul Onuachu in the 91st minute ensured that Nigeria left Porto Novo with maximum three points. Onuachu, who replaced Kelechi Iheanacho in the 70th minute broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute with a header that saw the goal go into the back of the net.
The Benin Republic side have been unbeaten at home for eight years, after their last loss to the Algerian side. The victory further ensured Nigeria qualified for the Africa Cup Of Nation, with Sierra Leone managing a draw against Lesotho. The Squirrels of Benin Republic need to avoid a defeat against the Sierra Leonian side to also qualify for the nations cup.
The encounter was a tight one, as both teams looked dangerous highly up the field. The Squirrel's goalkeeper looked decent in the middle of the post, as Nigeria created many chances, but couldn't get to beat Saturnin Allagbe.
Nigeria's attacking quartet of Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Onyekuru and Iheanacho had their fair chances against their neighbor's defender, but with Allagbe in his best form, ensuring no ball was allowed into the net.
in the second half, Victor Osimhen fired a shot that struck the goal post, but Sanusi could not find the back of the net with a rebound.
Nigeria leads Group L with eleven points from five matches (unbeaten), while the Benin Republic is in the second position with seven points and Sierra Leone in the third position with four points.
Nigeria faces Lesotho on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, in Lagos, Nigeria.