National Teams
Benin 1-1 Nigeria: Super Eagles maintain unbeaten record to seal AFCON 2025 ticket
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team played out a 1-1 draw with their counterpart from Benin Republic in Matchday five of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire capital on Thursday.
The Super Eagles had sealed a place at Morocco 2025 ahead of the game as Libya edged Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali.
Knowing that a win will make them join the three time African champions, the Cheetahs went ahead in the 16th minute.
A set piece from Junior Olaitan was headed into the back of the net by Mohamed Tijani past Stanley Nwabali.
Both sides had chances of scoring to no avail until the 81st minute.
In similar fashion to the opener, substitute Moses Simon provided a cross which was headed into the back of the net by Victor Osimhen.
The goal was crucial as Augustine Eguavoen’s side will return to Nigeria with a precious point and qualification ticket for the next AFCON after amassing 11 points from five games with a game to spare.
They will next face Rwanda in their last group match on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
