Manager Gernot Rohr had sympathy for the Republic of Benin following their 1-0 loss to the Super Eagles on matchday five of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The small amount of Squirrels fans allowed to watch the game at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo were celebrating as they were on the brink of qualifying for the tournament in Cameroon, only for Paul Onuachu to power home a header just as the referee was set to blow his whistle.
One of the talking points before the game was Benin's eight-year unbeaten record at home and Rohr was delighted that his team ended the streak.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rohr said : "It's easier to play if you are already qualified so the players wanted to go ahead.
"The challenge was to win here since 2013, Benin has not lost a match at home and the players absolutely wanted to do so and to be the first in eight years to beat them.
"It hurts my heart to see an opponent lose at the last second but it's true there is no place for emotions, really in football".
"The challenge was to win here since 2013, Benin has not lost a match at home and the players absolutely wanted to do so and to be the first in eight years to beat them.
"It hurts my heart to see an opponent lose at the last second but it's true there is no place for emotions, really in football".
Following their win versus the Republic of Benin, Nigeria are certain to top Group L of AFCON qualifying regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's match against Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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