Nigeria top Group D, qualify for 2025 AFCON

Nigeria yesterday at the Houphoet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire confirmed its passage to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations billed to holding Morocco by holding the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to a 1-1 draw.

In fact, the Super Eagles’ passage to Morocco had earlier been confirmed by Libya’s 1-0 defeat of Rwanda in Group D’s second game of the day. But the Eagles still battled to avoid another defeat by the same side at the same arena.

Benin Republic took the lead in the first half when Mohammed Tijjani struck the ball beyond the despairing dive of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. For a long period in the game, it seemed as if the Cheetahs were on the way to another famous win, having beaten the Eagles 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier at the stadium in June.

But true to type, Nigeria’s talisman, Victor Osimhen, rescued the point for the Super Eagles with only seven minutes to full time when he powered home a header off a cross by substitute Moses Simon.

Benin Republic will have to battle hard with Libya in Tripoli on Tuesday for the one point they need to join the train to Morocco. Libya stunned their hosts with an 84th-minute goal from Saad Mohamed, reviving their own chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco and ultimately securing Nigeria’s place in the 35th AFCON tournament next year.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, have now qualified for their 21st appearance at the tournament, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.