dVictor Osimhen’s 81st-minute equalizer rescued Nigeria’s Super Eagles from a shocking loss to Benin Republic, securing a 1-1 draw and top spot in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Benin Republic’s Mohamed Tijani scored in the first half, but Osimhen’s header from Moses Simon’s cross ensured the Super Eagles claimed a crucial point.
The comeback ensured that the Super Eagles sealed the top spot in the qualifying group ahead of Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Nigeria booked one of the two spots to qualify from Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers thanks to Libya’s shock 1-0 win over Rwanda but was not leaving any stones unturned with a strong start against Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles controlled the game from the start and could have taken the lead in the first half, but for Osimhen fluffing the best chance of the opening 45 minutes.
Nigeria paid for not converting their early chances when Tijani gave Benin Republic the lead thanks to a Victor Olaitan assist.
Osimhen made up for his missed chances in the second with a perfectly placed header from a Moses Simon cross to level the tie for Nigeria in the 81st minute.
The Super Eagles held out for a draw, ensuring that their 11 points would be enough to top the qualifying group ahead of Bening Republic on seven points with a match to spare.
