NGA 1: 1 BEN - Osimhen's Late Strike Secures AFCON Qualification for Super Eagles

• Nigeria's Super Eagles secure 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification with a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic, thanks to Victor Osimhen's 80th-minute equalizer.
• Osimhen's late strike cancels out Mohammed Tijani's 15th-minute opener, ensuring Nigeria's passage to next year's continental showpiece.

Nigeria's Super Eagles booked their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic's Cheetahs, thanks to Victor Osimhen's late second-half equalizer.

The Super Eagles dominated the early exchanges, with a slick combination between Ademola Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi creating an opportunity in the opening minutes. However, Benin Republic gradually gained momentum, and Mohammed Tijani's 15th-minute header gave the hosts a deserved lead.

Nigeria's defense looked shaky, and the Cheetahs continued to press, with Junior Olaitan and Tijani threatening to increase the lead. The Super Eagles' attacking forays were repelled by Benin's compact defense, with Osimhen squandering a golden chance in the 41st minute.

Coach Austin Eguavoen's halftime adjustments, introducing Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon, injected new life into the Super Eagles. Despite Benin Republic's continued pressure, Nigeria began to gain traction, with Alex Iwobi and Bruno Onyemaechi testing the hosts' resolve.

Osimhen's persistence paid off in the 80th minute, as he nodded home Moses Simon's cross to level the contest. The goal sparked a late surge from Nigeria, but Benin Republic's defense held firm.

The draw secured Nigeria's qualification for the 2025 AFCON, with the Super Eagles shifting focus to their final qualifying game against Rwanda.