Super Eagles Draws Benin 1:1 To Seal Group D Top Spot
Nigeria secured the top spot in Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday.
On-loan Napoli striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for Nigeria with an 81st-minute header after the hosts had taken the lead in the first half through a Mohamed Tijani header from a well-executed corner. Tijani’s effort slipped between goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s legs, marking the first goal Nigeria conceded in the qualifiers.
The result pushed Nigeria’s tally to 11 points, securing an unassailable lead in the group. They had already qualified for the tournament in Morocco after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0 earlier in Kigali.
Osimhen had a chance to equalize before halftime but missed a header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, squandering Nigeria’s best opportunity in the first half. Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, now leading Benin, nearly engineered an upset against his old team, with the Cheetahs coming close to doubling their lead in both halves.
Despite a subpar performance from Austin Eguavoen’s side, Osimhen’s late header ensured the Super Eagles remained unbeaten in the qualifiers and retained first place in the group. Benin, with seven points, Rwanda on five, and Libya on four, will now compete for the final qualification spot heading into the last matchday.
Nigeria’s final game, against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday, will be a formality for the Super Eagles. However, Rwanda will aim to cause an upset and claim the remaining ticket in Group D.
Comments are closed.