Akinlabi Emmanuel
Benin Republic midfielder Jordel Dossou has revealed the tactic that helped them outsmart the Nigerian defense in their 2-1 win during a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday night.
Dossou scored the equalizer in Abidjan, following Raphael Onyedika’s opening goal for the Super Eagles.
He capitalized on defensive errors by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi to score. Ajayi missed his clearance header, and Bassey’s hesitation allowed Dossou to steal the ball and finish past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Dossou has shared details of his conversations with teammate Steve Mounié before his goal.
“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.”
