Victor Osimhen’s late equaliser earned Nigeria a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Thursday’s Group D qualifier, as the Super Eagles secured top spot and confirmed their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Softfootball understands that Osimhen’s 81st-minute header cancelled out Mohamed Tijani’s first-half opener in Abidjan, ensuring Nigeria finished the match with 11 points, enough to guarantee first place in the group.
The Galatasaray striker scored his second goal of the qualifying campaign after also finding the net in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in the reverse fixture.
Benin entered the contest knowing victory would have secured qualification following Libya’s surprise 1-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day. However, Osimhen’s equaliser means qualification from the group will now be decided on the final matchday between Benin Republic, Rwanda and Libya.
Although Libya’s victory had already confirmed Nigeria’s qualification before kick-off, the Super Eagles still showed resilience to avoid defeat and finish as group winners.
Super Eagles debutant Gabriel Osho was handed his first senior start, while Benin made the brighter opening and nearly took an early lead through Junior Olaitan.
Nigeria responded with Victor Osimhen testing the Benin defence before the Cheetahs eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. Mohamed Tijani rose highest to head home from a cleverly worked short-corner routine.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was then forced into an important save minutes later as Benin threatened to extend their advantage.
The Super Eagles’ best opportunity of the first half arrived just before the interval when Bruno Onyemaechi delivered an inviting cross, but Osimhen’s header drifted narrowly wide.
Head coach Augustine Eguavoen introduced Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika at the start of the second half in an attempt to inject more urgency into Nigeria’s play.
Ademola Lookman almost capitalised on a defensive error before Onyemaechi fired just wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Osimhen continued to threaten, heading wide from Ola Aina’s cross before missing another opportunity from a Simon delivery.
