Super Eagles Secure AFCON 2025 Qualification Despite 1-1 Comeback Draw in Benin

Nigeria’s spot at the next AFCON was already confirmed after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0 earlier on Thursday at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali. However, the Super Eagles managed a 1-1 draw against Benin, with star striker Victor Osimhen finding the back of the net to level the game after conceding an early goal.

The match saw Benin take an early lead in the 16th minute despite the dominance of the super eagles in the first few minutes of the first half, after which the home side seemed more desperate, looking for a second.

The second half started with a more aggressive approac before Osimhen delivered the equaliser for Nigeria, converting a well-executed cross from Moses Simon with 9 minutes of normal time to go.

The home side tested Nigeria’s backline with a series of attacks, while the Super Eagles remained resilient, aiming to secure a draw to strengthen their position in the group.

However, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the match concluded in a hard-fought draw. The 1-1 result means Nigeria has qualified for the 2025 AFCON, courtesy of Libya’s concurrent victory over Rwanda.

Meanwhile, Benin, Rwanda, and Libya head into their final group matches with hopes of securing qualification for the tournament in Morocco. Ghana’s chances of advancing remain intact after Sudan’s crushing 4-0 loss to Niger, who have reignited their own campaign. Sudan only needed a draw to advance from Group F. Four-time Afcon champions Ghana must defeat already-qualified Angola in Luanda on Friday (19:00 GMT) to stay in contention for a spot in the 2025 finals.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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