Victor Osimhen marked his return to international duty with a crucial equaliser as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Benin, sealing their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.
In Abidjan, Benin opened the scoring through Mohamed Tijani, whose headed effort sailed through unchallenged after a lapse in defence, just 14 minutes into the match. The Super Eagles made hard work of the first half of the game, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali forced into action to deny Junior Olaitan’s powerful, long-range strike. Despite the inviting cross from William Troost-Ekong, Osimhen skewed wide the best Nigerian chance of the first half, heading wide when he was free in the sparse area.
The Super Eagles began to take control of the game in the second half, but last-ditch defending on the part of the Benin team denied Nigeria clear-cut chances. Meanwhile, Benin were a threat on the counter until a brave recovery run by Ola Aina checked their pace.
The much-needed breakthrough for Nigeria eventually came in the 81st minute courtesy of substitute Moses Simon. Simon made it happen when his pinpoint cross found Osimhen, who expertly glanced his header past the Benin goalkeeper for the all-important equaliser.
After the draw and the defeat of Rwanda, Nigeria became sure of participating in next year’s AFCON finals in Morocco. The Super Eagles top Group D and are now out of reach for the next continental tournament next December.
