Super Eagles Qualify for AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s path to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) turned into a day of double celebrations, first earning qualification through an unlikely ally in Libya, then showcasing their resilience in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against neighboring Benin Republic.

The qualification story began far from Nigerian soil, as Libya’s unexpected 1-0 triumph over Rwanda in Kigali mathematically confirmed the Super Eagles’ ticket to Morocco. Yet, the real drama was yet to unfold in Abidjan, where Nigeria’s determination would be tested against a hungry Benin side.

What started as a qualification party nearly turned into a wake-up call when the Cheetahs of Benin stunned the Nigerian faithful. In a moment that silenced the traveling supporters, defender Mohamed Tijani found himself unmarked to nod home his maiden international goal, exposing rare defensive fragility in the Nigerian ranks.

For over an hour, the Super Eagles’ star-studded attack, led by the trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho, peppered the Beninois defense but found themselves frustrated by a combination of resolute defending and the challenging conditions on a rain-soaked pitch.

The breakthrough finally came through a moment of tactical brilliance from interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. His introduction of Moses Simon proved masterful, as the winger’s precise cross found Nigeria’s talisman Osimhen, who rose highest to power home the equalizer with just nine minutes remaining.

“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equaliser. The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Eguavoen said in his post-match reflection.