“I hid behind the defender” – Benin’s Dossou on outsmarting Ajayi & Bassey to net equaliser against Nigeria

Benin Republic midfielder Jordel Dossou has revealed how he got the better of Nigeria’s defence to grab the first of the goals that powered the Cheetahs to a historic victory over the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, Benin registered their first-ever senior win in international football against Nigeria courtesy of an impressive 2-1 comeback victory at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Monday.

Raphael Onyedika opened the scoring for the Super Eagles with a fine drive in the 27th minute, but Nigeria’s lead lasted only ten minutes as Dossou stole in to net an even better equaliser.

West Brom defender Semi Ajayi missed his clearance header, but Calvin Bassey still had enough time to avert the danger. However, as the Fulham centre-back dilly-dallied, Sochaux midfielder Dossou robbed him of the ball, went through on goal, and curled his finish beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

After the encounter, Dossou revealed his chats with teammate Steve Mounié on what to do to outwit the Nigerian centre-back duo of Ajayi and Bassey before his goals.

“This style of play was worked on in training. We know that Mounié Steve wins almost all duels,” Dossou said as per 24haubenin.

“Well before the goal action, Steve called me and told me that since Ajayi (Nigeria player ) is on me all the time, I’ll have to change my strategy.

“On the first occasion, he let the ball pass, too bad I missed it. For the second time, I hid behind the defender, and as soon as Steve let the ball go. I appeared and stole the ball from him to equalize.”

The memorable win over Nigeria sent Benin to the top of Group C with seven points from four games while it left Nigeria with only three points.

The defeat is also Nigeria’s second loss in a World Cup qualifying campaign in 20 years.