Benin Republic forward and captain, Steve Mounie has attributed his team’s win over Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying match to the advantage of adequate rest.
The Cheetahs recorded a 2-1 victory over Super Eagles in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match, propelling them to the top of Group C standings.
In the Build-up to Monday’s encounter, Gernot Rohr’s side enjoyed an additional day of preparation.
Benin had previously faced Rwanda last Thursday in Cote d’Ivoire, while Nigeria played against South Africa a day later.
Moreover, the Super Eagles had the added challenge of traveling to Cote d’Ivoire for the game.
Mounie, speaking just before the kickoff, highlighted the significance of the extra day of recovery, suggesting it could be a decisive factor.
“The advantage is that we had one more day of recovery compared to Nigeria. We are going to give it our all,” He said.
During the match itself, Mounie’s observations materialized as the Super Eagles displayed signs of fatigue and disorganization on the pitch.
The Cheetahs capitalized on Super Eagles’ vulnerabilities, demonstrating superior speed and winning crucial tackles.
Although the Super Eagles the lead with a goal from Onyedika, their momentum waned as Dokou Dodo and Steve Mounie swiftly responded with goals of their own, securing a decisive victory for the Cheetahs.
