Tunde Omoniyi
Benin Republic held Nigeria to a draw in a qualification game for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Although the Super Eagles had qualified for the competition heading into Thursday’s match, the 1-1 draw means they will finish the group as leaders.
In a game were Nigeria were largely uninspiring, the Cheetahs rightly took the lead via a Mohamed Tijani’s effort just `16 minutes into the encounter.
The Super Eagles struggled to impose themselves on their neighbours who largely sat back to absorb their opponent’s pressing as Benin Republic went into the tunnel leading the game after 45 minutes.
Investigator news reports that Interim coach Austine Eguavoen made some changes in the latter stages of the match, bringing Simon Moses and Victor Boniface among others, to shore up Nigeria’s offensive play.
After several bouts of attacks, it looked like the match was headed in Benin Republic’s favour. However, Moses floated an inch-perfect cross into the box in the 81st minute which Victor Osimhen headed home after beating the Benin Republic goalkeeper.
Thursday’s strike brings Osimhen’s tally to 23 for the Super Eagles and pushes him to the joint-second position in the Nigerian topscorer’s list. He is at par with legendary Segun Odegbami.
With one game to spare in the qualification series, Nigeria have 11 points so far. They will host Rwanda in a dead rubber game on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Investigator news gathered that the Super Eagles are followed by Benin Republic on seven points and Rwanda on five points, with Libya at the foot of the Group D standings with four points.
