The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured the top spot in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification series with a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday.
Victor Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, salvaged a point for Nigeria with a crucial 81st-minute header. The equalizer came after Benin had taken the lead in the first half through Mohamed Tijani’s well-placed header, which slipped past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following a well-executed corner.
The draw brings Nigeria’s points tally to an unassailable 11, confirming their dominance in the group and a place in the tournament to be hosted in Morocco. Their qualification was assured earlier in the day after Libya edged Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali, leaving the other teams scrambling for the final ticket in the group.
Despite going into the game with a solid defensive record, Nigeria was breached in the 16th minute. Former Super Eagles coach and current Benin Republic handler Gernot Rohr nearly orchestrated a shock against his former team as the Cheetahs came close to extending their lead multiple times in both halves. Nigeria’s best chance of the first half came from Osimhen, who headed wide from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross.
Osimhen redeemed himself late in the game with a difficult header to bring the Super Eagles level, ensuring they avoided defeat. The result left Benin Republic with seven points, followed by Rwanda with five and Libya with four, all battling for the remaining qualification spot as the campaign heads into the final matchday.
Nigeria’s final group game is against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday. While the Super Eagles will be playing for pride, Rwanda will be determined to secure a victory and keep their qualification hopes alive.
