AFCON 2025: Osimhen’s late goal secures qualification for Nigeria

Victor Osimhen scored a decisive late goal to help Nigeria’s Super Eagles secure a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic in their Group D qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday night at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny....(CONTINUE READING)

The equalizer, netted in the 81st minute, ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON as group winners with 11 points. The draw leaves Benin’s Cheetahs in second place with seven points and facing a must-win match against Libya on November 18 to confirm their own AFCON ticket. With a comfortable four-point lead at the top, Nigeria will conclude their qualifying campaign with a home game against Rwanda on the same day.

Benin took the lead in the 17th minute when Mohamed Tijani headed in a cross from Junior Olaitan, exploiting their aerial strength. Nigeria had an opportunity to draw level before halftime, but Victor Osimhen’s header from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross went narrowly wide, leaving the Super Eagles trailing at the break.

The second half featured intense play, with both teams pressing for goals. In the 62nd minute, Olaitan missed a chance to extend Benin’s lead as Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a critical save. Onyemaechi nearly equalized for Nigeria in the 72nd minute when his shot struck the near post.

Osimhen made up for his earlier miss in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from substitute Moses Simon to score a powerful header that confirmed Nigeria’s place as Group D winners. The striker’s goal capped off a determined comeback effort by the Super Eagles.

Rwanda, currently with five points after a surprising 1-0 defeat to Libya in Kigali, must now overcome Nigeria in Uyo and hope for a Libyan victory over Benin in Tripoli to secure second place in the group and qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer,” said Nigeria’s Coach Augustine Eguavoen. “The downpour made conditions challenging for both sides, but I am pleased we secured our AFCON ticket ahead of our final match against Rwanda in Uyo.”

The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to their last qualifying match against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, aiming to close out the campaign on a high note following a goalless draw in their earlier match in Kigali.

The 2025 AFCON tournament is set to take place in Morocco, from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.