Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced off against Benin Republic on November 14, 2024, in a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier match held at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan. Having previously won three out of four games in the qualifiers, the Nigerian team entered the game as group leaders with 10 points, needing just a draw to secure qualification for the tournament in Morocco.

Benin took an early lead with a goal by Mohammed Tijani, intensifying the pressure on Nigeria to respond. Despite Benin’s defensive efforts and Nigeria’s struggle to find rhythm, the Super Eagles managed to equalize late in the game. A cross from Moses Simon set up star forward Victor Osimhen to score, tying the game at 1-1 in the closing minutes.

This draw not only granted Nigeria the point they needed to qualify for AFCON but also underscored the team’s resilience under coach Austine Eguavoen. With their qualification now assured, Nigeria’s next game against Rwanda will have no bearing on their AFCON qualification.