Super Eagles Fail to Defeat Benin, Secure AFCON Qualification

In a suspense-filled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Nigeria's Super Eagles secured their place in the tournament despite a challenging match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday. The game saw Benin Republic taking an early lead with Mohamed Tijani's first-half goal, putting Nigeria on the back foot.

Benin dominated the first half, maintaining significant pressure and creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, the Super Eagles' defense, led by coach Gernot Rohr, held firm to prevent further damage before the halftime whistle.

The second half saw a revitalized Nigerian side as Victor Osimhen scored the crucial equalizer, restoring hope for the Super Eagles and showcasing their resilience and attacking strength. With this result, Nigeria tops Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin Republic holds second place with 7 points. Rwanda and Libya occupy the third and fourth positions with 5 and 4 points respectively, as the final group stage fixtures approach.

Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco was secured earlier in the day, thanks to Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali. Saad Mohamed’s 84th-minute goal stunned the hosts and revived Libya's qualification hopes, while cementing Nigeria’s place at the 35th AFCON tournament next year.

The Super Eagles, needing at least a point against Benin to secure their spot in the finals, found that the job was effectively done before their kick-off, thanks to Libya. Nigeria, three-time African champions, have now qualified for what will be their 21st appearance at the tournament, which will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The team, led by Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, recently finished as runners-up at the 2023 edition held between January and February in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the hosts in the final. This marked the nation’s fifth agonizing final defeat at the AFCON since their first participation in 1963. Nigeria’s three AFCON titles were won on home soil in 1980, in Tunisia in 1994, and in South Africa in 2013.

Interim coach Austin Eguavoen will now lead the team into their final group game against Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. With their place in the tournament already secured, the Super Eagles will aim to finish the group stage strongly and build momentum for the finals in Morocco.

As things stand in Group D, third-placed Rwanda, with five points, and bottom-placed Libya, with four points, still have faint hopes of securing a spot in Morocco 2025. The upcoming matches will determine the final standings and the complete list of teams heading to the prestigious tournament.