Austin Eguavoen has praised the character of his players after seeing them come from behind to beat Ghana 3-1 in the first leg of their All Africa Games qualifier on Saturday in Benin.

Rabiu Mohammed stunned the Dream Team with a goal just short of half-time, but the Nigerians rallied in the second as Nosa Igiebor’s brace and Edet Ibok’s late goal handed the Dream Team victory.

“We knew from the onset that it was not going to be an easy game. But we would have easily won the game 5-1 if we had converted our chances,” Eguavoen said.

It was a game that swung one way, then the other and the former international defender showed class in victory.

“Ghana played well, they area team I have always respected. But we thank God that my boys showed character and determination coming out in the second half to score three goals,” he said.

With only half the tie played, Eguavoen says there is still work to be done ahead of the second leg in a fortnight.

“We would continue to work hard because hard work pays. Having won the game against Ghana, the victory puts us in an advantageous position. All we need do is score one goal in Ghana and we will be through.”

The winner of the tie advances to the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo in September.