Benin Republic 1-1 Nigeria: Victor Osimhen scores to preserve Super Eagles unbeaten 2025 AFCON qualifying record
Victor Osimhen’s late header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Benin Republic, ensuring they will finish top of Group D in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Already guaranteed a place in next year’s tournament in Morocco, the Super Eagles needed Osimhen’s 81st-minute goal to avoid a shock defeat in Abidjan after Mohamed Tijani had given the home side the lead in the first half.
The draw confirmed Nigeria’s first-place finish in the group with 11 points, ahead of Benin (7 points) and Rwanda.
Despite having already secured qualification thanks to Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, Nigeria started strongly against Benin. However, the Super Eagles failed to capitalize on their chances, with Osimhen missing the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes.
Benin Republic made Nigeria pay when Mohamed Tijani opened the scoring, assisted by Victor Olaitan.
But Nigeria’s response came in the 81st minute when Osimhen made amends for his earlier miss, powerfully heading in a Moses Simon cross to level the match.
The draw ensured Nigeria’s top spot in the group with a match to spare, while Benin, despite a valiant effort, remained second.
