Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored the winner as Nigeria got their Africa Cup of Nations back on track against Benin.
Yakubu on target as Super Eagles soar
Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored the only goal of the game as Nigeria got their African Cup of Nations back on track with a 1-0 win over Benin.
The Super Eagles suffered a 3-1 defeat to Egypt in their Group C opener, but Everton striker Yakubu's successful penalty four minutes before half-time secured the win.
Nigeria are now level on points with Egypt, who take on Mozambique late on Saturday, while Benin are bottom with just a point from their two games.
The match got off to a bright start and Nigeria slowly started to take control but it was to be Benin who had the first decent chance as Seidath Tchomogo saw his 25-yard effort fly narrowly wide of the left upright.
Nigeria knew they had to win to boost their chances of progressing but wasted a glorious opportunity in the 15th minute.
Shot wide
Yakubu was sent through on goal but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, he sent a rasping shot wide in a real let-off for Benin.
The Nigerians were almost made to instantly pay for their profligacy when Benin won a free-kick on the edge of the area but Stephane Sessegnon could not get his attempt to dip enough and it flew over the crossbar.
Sessegnon went closer in the 39th minute when he sent a fabulous drive crashing off the bar.
However, Nigeria were to take the lead four minutes from the break. Benin goalkeeper Rachad Chitou did well to beat out Djiman Koukou's attempt but in the goalmouth scramble it fell to Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke who crossed in towards Peter Odemwingie.
Romuald Boco was adjudged to have handled Odemwingie's header and Yakubu sent the resulting penalty straight down the middle to give Nigeria the lead.
Denied
Benin came out after the break desperate for the equaliser and almost got it 10 minutes after the restart when the ever-dangerous Sessegnon set up Nouihoum Kobena only for the Squirrels to once again be denied by the woodwork.
Nigeria thought they had doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark as a superb ball by Obasi Ogbuke released Victor Obinna just moments after the Malaga striker had come off the bench.
However, Chitou was quick off his line and did well to keep his side very much in the game.
The Super Eagles should have sealed the result 15 minutes from time but Obasi Ogbuke headed wide from close range.
However, Nigeria clung on to take all three points.