Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 1-1 draw against Benin’s Cheetahs in a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier, confirming their place in the tournament as Group D winners. The game, held in Benin, saw Victor Osimhen score a decisive equaliser in the 80th minute after the hosts had taken an early lead through Mohammed Tijani.
Benin took advantage of a defensive lapse by Nigeria in the 16th minute, with Tijani heading past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Despite persistent efforts, the Super Eagles struggled to break down a compact Benin defence. Multiple attempts, including chances by Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, went unconverted until Moses Simon provided a pinpoint cross for Osimhen to secure the draw.
The result leaves Nigeria focusing on their next and final qualifier against Rwanda, aiming to end the campaign strongly.
Editorial
The Super Eagles’ performance against Benin highlights both resilience and areas needing significant improvement. Victor Osimhen’s late goal underscores his importance as a consistent scorer, but the team’s overall cohesion and defensive stability remain concerning. Defensive lapses like the one leading to Benin’s goal reveal a vulnerability that must be addressed before the AFCON tournament.
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As supporters of Nigerian football, we celebrate the team’s qualification but stress the importance of using these matches to refine tactics and build a more formidable unit. Players like Moses Simon and Osimhen have shown the ability to rise to the occasion, but others need to step up and contribute to the team’s overall effectiveness.
The Super Eagles represent the aspirations of millions of Nigerian fans, and maintaining their reputation as a continental powerhouse will require discipline, creativity, and tactical sharpness. The upcoming match against Rwanda offers an opportunity to solidify these aspects and approach AFCON 2025 with confidence.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen’s header against Benin marked his sixth goal in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
- Nigeria has faced Benin 18 times in their history, with the Super Eagles maintaining a dominant record of 14 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss.
- The Super Eagles last won the AFCON title in 2013, under the management of late coach Stephen Keshi.
- Moses Simon has been a key playmaker for Nigeria, regularly providing assists in crucial games like this qualifier.
- Benin’s defensive tactics against Nigeria reflect their improvement, as they increasingly pose a challenge to traditionally stronger teams in Africa.
