The Super Eagles clinched a vital 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan to secure first place in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Despite a lackluster showing, Victor Osimhen’s late header saved Nigeria from defeat, ensuring their unbeaten run under coach Augustine Eguavoen remains intact.
- Osimhen’s Late Heroics: The Napoli striker proved his worth once again, stepping up in the 81st minute to head in the equalizer that salvaged a point for Nigeria. Osimhen had missed an earlier chance in the 41st minute, but he redeemed himself with his well-timed finish, ensuring Nigeria remains unbeaten in the qualifiers.
- Benin’s Strong Defensive Setup: Benin’s defense, led by towering defender Mohamed Tijani, who scored the opening goal in the 15th minute, was organized and resilient throughout. Their early goal put Nigeria on the back foot, and they maintained a disciplined backline, frustrating the Super Eagles for much of the game. Tijani’s performance was a highlight, as he consistently thwarted Nigeria’s attacks and remained solid at the back.
- Nigeria’s Struggles in Midfield: The Super Eagles found it difficult to assert control in midfield, often losing possession and struggling to connect with their forwards. This hindered their ability to build a consistent rhythm, leaving Osimhen and Iheanacho isolated for long periods. Nigeria’s midfield issues might prompt Eguavoen to rethink his lineup in their next match against Rwanda.
- Eguavoen’s Tactical Flexibility: Though not Nigeria’s best performance, Eguavoen demonstrated tactical adaptability, pushing his players forward in the second half to find the equalizer. His substitutions and slight tactical tweaks injected energy into Nigeria’s play, eventually breaking through Benin’s solid defense.
- Unbeaten Run and Qualification Secured: The draw means Nigeria remains unbeaten with 11 points from five matches, sealing the top spot in Group D. Their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament is confirmed, and the upcoming game against Rwanda in Uyo will serve more as a chance for squad experimentation. The pressure now shifts to Rwanda and Libya, who need favorable results to have a shot at joining Nigeria in Morocco.
