- Victor Osimhen scored a vital equaliser to secure Nigeria’s spot at AFCON 2025 after a challenging 1-1 draw with Benin
- Nigeria’s qualification for Morocco was confirmed earlier, thanks to Libya’s last-minute win over Rwanda
- The Super Eagles now aim to finish top of Group D with one final game against Rwanda
Victor Osimhen marked his return to international duty in style, scoring a crucial equaliser that secured Nigeria’s place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
The Galatasaray forward, who missed the previous international break in October, came through when his country needed him most, making home a well-timed header off a Moses Simon cross to draw Nigeria level at 1-1 against Benin.
The clash took place at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where Nigeria faced the Cheetahs of Benin. Benin had surprised everyone by taking the lead early in the first half, with Mohamed Tijani capitalising on a short corner, completely unmarked, to score with a powerful header close to the penalty spot. Benin’s impressive start saw Nigeria scrambling around the pitch, with underdogs Benin looking like they might pull off their second victory over the Super Eagles in 2024.
Augustine Eguavoen’s team struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the first half. Despite holding more possession, the Super Eagles were unable to break down Benin’s compact defence. Junior Olaitan tested Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a shot from the edge of the box, as Benin continued to press and threaten the Nigerian goal.
Nigeria’s best chance of the half came when Osimhen headed wide from close range after being picked out by William Troost-Ekong. It was a missed opportunity that would have frustrated the striker, who has been in stellar form at the club level.
As the game wore on, Nigeria continued to push forward, though Benin’s defence remained resolute. Bruno Onyemaechi nearly levelled the game with a shot that skimmed past the right post on the hour mark, but the breakthrough continued to elude the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s dominance in possession did little to shake Benin, who maintained a dangerous counter-attacking approach. One such attack was stopped only by Ola Aina’s determined recovery run, saving Nigeria from potentially going further behind.
The turning point came in the 81st minute, when Moses Simon, freshly introduced from the bench, found space on the left wing. The Nantes forward delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Osimhen rose to meet it with a clinical header, silencing Benin’s hopes of an upset.
Remarkably, Nigeria’s place in the 2025 tournament had already been assured before kickoff, thanks to an unexpected assist from Libya despite our recent rocky history. In a surprising result, Libya stunned Rwanda with an 84th-minute goal from Saad Mohamed in Kigali, winning 1-0 and clearing Nigeria’s path to Morocco. With this victory, Libya revived their slim hopes of qualifying while simultaneously confirming Nigeria’s 21st AFCON appearance.
The Super Eagles now lead Group D and need only a draw in their upcoming match against Rwanda to secure the top spot. The game is scheduled for Monday, November 18, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria, the three-time African champions have consistently proven to be one of the continent’s top teams, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and finishing as runners-up in 2023. Managed by Portuguese coach Austine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles now set their sights on the 2025 AFCON, where they hope to end a 12-year title drought and once again claim Africa’s top prize.
Eguavoen denies resignation rumours, says he’s still in charge
Previously, TheRadar reported that reports swirled in on Tuesday night, September 10, that Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had resigned from his role following Nigeria’s goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
However, Eguavoen has swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that no such decision has been made and that he remains fully in charge of the national team.
