CHAN 2018: Nigeria face Benin Republic in qualifier

Benin Republic progressed to set up a second round showdown with Nigeria in the 2018 African Nations Championship qualifier after defeating Togo 9-8 on penalties in Cotonou.
 
Having played a 1-1 first leg draw in Lome, the home side edged past their visitors on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Stade de l'Amitié on Sunday.
 
Following barren opening 45 minutes, the Beninese broke the deadlock in the 55th minute but the visitors leveled matters in the 74th minute to drag the game into extra time before the hosts claim the victory.
 
With the victory, Benin will face the Super Eagles in the first leg, second round in Cotonou on August 11 before visiting Kano for the second leg a week later.
 
The fifth edition of the African Nations Championship will be held in Kenya with 16 teams to play in the tournament scheduled to hold from January 11 to February 2, 2018.