Nigeria secured a ticket to participate in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in the qualifying match played in the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan on Thursday.
Osimhen’s header in the 81st minute, following a beautiful cross from Moses Simon, beat Benin’s goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, and was enough to secure Nigeria’s first position in Group D.
Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday also confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON 2025.
The goal against Benin puts Osihmen at par in total goals tally for Nigeria with Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami. Both are now joint second to the late Rashidi Yekini who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.
Osimhen’s goal, which came after Mohamed Tijani’s goal for the Benin Cheetahs in the 16th minute, was his 23rd for the senior team. Odegbami, the former captain of the team who was star of the 1980 AFCON finals, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.
The Super Eagles qualify for Morocco 2025 as group winners, and remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign going into their last game of the series, against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.
Rwanda, with five points from their five games would aim to beat the Super Eagles in Uyo and hope that Libya defeat Benin Republic in Tripoli on Monday, to secure second place and ticket to the finals from Group D.
Speaking after the match, Nigeria’s coach Augustine Eguavoen said, “It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer.
“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.”
