Nigeria lost to Republic of Benin 1-0 in Cotonou on Sunday, August 13 but qualified for 2018 CHAN after a 2-0 victory at home in Kano on Saturday, August 19.

Rabiu Ali put Nigeria ahead in the 23rd minute after a beautiful build up play from Ibrahim Alhassan and Stephen Odey.

Kingsley Eduwo doubled the lead in the second half when he headed home a cross from Osas Okoro.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was the hero of the day saving a 65th-minute penalty from the captain of the Republic of Benin Mama Seibou.

That penalty would have given the Squirrels an away goal to win the two-leg tie.

The 2018 CHAN in Kenya will be Nigeria’s third, finishing third in South Africa 2014 and crashing out in the first round in Rwanda 2016.