AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Osimhen scores late equaliser to save Nigeria from losing to Benin Republic
Victor Osimhen scored a crucial late equaliser as Nigeria secured a hard fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played Thursday night at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.
The result sealed the Super Eagles’ place in the tournament set to hold in Morocco as group leaders.
The game was played under heavy rain, with Benin taking the lead in the 16th minute through Mohamed Tijani. Tijani headed home a cross from Junior Olaitan, capitalizing on a defensive lapse as the ball slipped through goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s legs.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, with Alex Iwobi and Osimhen coming close in the first half but it was Osimhen that powered home a well placed header nine minutes to the end of the game to save the Super Eagles from a second defeat in three games against Benin Republic.
The Austin Equavoen led team headed into the game fully aware they have qualified for next year’s AFCON after Libya shock Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali which may have contributed to the way they played.
With this result Nigeria is now sitting comfortable on top of Group D with 11 points and already qualified for Morocco 2025.
