Nigeria’s Super Eagles fought to a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The late equalizer from Victor Osimhen canceled out Mohamed Tijani’s first-half header, with Nigeria finishing top of Group D on 11 points.
Benin Republic, managed by Gernot Rohr, needed a win to secure qualification after Libya had edged Rwanda 1-0 earlier in the day. However, even before the match against Nigeria, the Super Eagles’ qualification was confirmed. Despite the result, Benin, Rwanda, and Libya all still have a chance to qualify heading into the final matchday.
For Nigeria, the upcoming match against Rwanda on November 18 will serve as a mere formality, with their qualification already secured.
The match saw early action as Junior Olaitan sent a dangerous low cross in the 7th minute, but no one could connect. Nigeria’s Osimhen had a chance in the 15th minute but was beaten to the ball by the Benin goalkeeper. Benin then took the lead in the 16th minute, with Mohamed Tijani heading in a corner kick.
The Super Eagles almost equalized on several occasions in the first half, including Osimhen’s header which went just wide. Coach Austin Eguavoen made two changes at the break, with Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika coming on.
Benin nearly doubled their lead on 27 minutes as Tosin Aiyegun’s bicycle kick went off target. Nigeria kept pressing, and in the second half, Osimhen finally delivered the equalizer in the 81st minute with a header off Simon’s cross, making it 1-1.
In stoppage time, Benin won a corner but failed to capitalize, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.