Nigeria's Super Eagles' blushes were spared thanks to a late Victor Osimhen header that rescued a point in a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles, already guaranteed a spot at next year's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, needed Osimhen's goal in the 81st minute to draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan after Mohamed Tijani gave the home side the lead in the first half.
The comeback ensured that the Super Eagles sealed the top spot in the qualifying group ahead of Benin Republic and Rwanda.
How it happened
Nigeria had already been guaranteed one of the two spots to qualify from Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers thanks to Libya's shock 1-0 win over Rwanda, but were not leaving any stones unturned with a strong start against Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles controlled the game from the start and could have taken the lead in the first half, but for Osimhen fluffing the best chance of the opening 45 minutes.
Nigeria paid for not converting their early chances when Tijani gave Benin Republic the lead thanks to a Victor Olaitan assist.
Osimhen made up for his missed chances in the second with a perfectly placed header from a Moses Simon cross to level the tie for Nigeria in the 81st minute.
The Super Eagles held out for a draw, ensuring that their 11 points would be enough to top the qualifying group ahead of Bening Republic on seven points with a match to spare.
Here are key takeaways from the Super Eagles' draw against the Cheetahs of Benin.
Just before the game, Nigeria's place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was confirmed following Libya's win over Rwanda.
However, that did not stop Austin Eguaveon from fielding a strong side, despite handing out a debut to Gabriel Osho.
After going behind in the first half, the Super Eagles found a way back into the game in the second half, with Victor Osimhen heading up to earn a 1-1 draw.
The following are some key takeaways from the game;
Nigeria conceded for the first time in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and it is not surprising that it came from a set piece situation.
While Stanley Nwabali deservedly got most of the blame for making a mess of what should have been an easy save, the root cause of the lack of defensive organization when it comes to set pieces.
The last time the Super Eagles conceded a goal prior to this game was in the World Cup qualifiers against the same opponent, Benin, back in June.
Like this time, it was also a well-worked corner kick routine that caught the Nigerians napping.
This is a weakness that might be exploited by opponents in Morocco, and it could be the difference between going all the way or exiting the tournament prematurely.
Gabriel Osho struggled on his debut
Gabriel Osho in the Super Eagles camp.
With Semi Ajayi out injured, Osho made his debut for the Super Eagles as one of the defenders in a back three.
However, the Auxerre defender could not step into Ajayi's big shoes just yet, as he struggled to deal with the Benin attackers on a number of occasions.
Osho also made a poor clearance that led to the corner for Benin's goal.
It is difficult to fault Eguaveon for replacing him at half time.
Osimhen is persistent
The Super Eagles striker missed a clear header in the first half that left most Nigerians shocked.
However, in the usual Osimhen-style, he rose above the defense to head up the equaliser in the second half.
It was a historic moment for the Galatasaray striker, who has now equaled Segun Odegbami's tally of 23 goals to become joint-second on the Super Eagles all-time top scorers list.
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