Victoria Mgbanwa
Nigeria secured top spot in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday.
The match, played at the Stade de l’Amitié in Cotonou, saw Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer ensure the Super Eagles finished the group phase unbeaten.
Benin Republic drew first blood in the 16th minute, with a well-taken goal that threatened to complicate Nigeria’s quest for the group lead. The early setback put pressure on the Super Eagles, but they weathered the storm and maintained composure under coach Gernot Rohr’s tactical setup.
With the match nearing its conclusion and the scoreboard reading 1-0 in favor of the hosts, it looked as though Nigeria’s path to the top of Group D could be delayed. However, Osimhen, who has been in fine form for both club and country, showed his class in the 81st minute. The Napoli striker rose above the Benin defense to meet Moses Simon’s perfectly timed cross and nodded home the equalizer.
The draw pushed Nigeria’s tally to 11 points, ensuring they could not be overtaken by second-placed Benin Republic, who remain on 7 points. With this result, Nigeria now heads into their final group match against Rwanda with a secure top position, giving coach Rohr the opportunity to rotate his squad and rest key players ahead of the next phase of the competition.
The Super Eagles’ focus will now shift to their upcoming fixture against Rwanda next Monday in Uyo, where they will look to maintain momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.
