JUST IN: NIGERIA, BENIN SPLIT POINTS IN AFCON QUALIFIER

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Benin Republic held Nigeria to a draw in a qualification game for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Although the Super Eagles have qualified for the competition, the 1-1 draw means they will finish the group as leaders.

In a game were Nigeria were largely uninspiring, the Cheetahs rightly took the lead via a Mohamed Tijani’s effort just `16 minutes into the encounter.

The Super Eagles struggled to impose themselves on their neighbours who largely sat back to absorb their opponent’s pressing.

Benin Republic went into the tunnel leading the game after 45 minutes.

Interim coach Austine Eguavoen rang some changes in the latter stages of the match, bringing Simon Moses and Victor Boniface among others, to shore up Nigeria’s offensive play.

After several bouts of attacks, it looked like the match was headed in Benin Republic’s favour. However, Moses floated an inch-perfect cross into the box in the 81st minute which Victor Osimhen headed home after beating the Benin Republic goalkeeper.

Thursday’s strike brings Osimhen’s tally to 23 for the Super Eagles and pushes him to the joint-second position in the Nigerian topscorer’s list. He is at par with legendary Segun Odegbami.

With one game to spare in the qualification series, Nigeria have 11 points so far. They will host Rwanda in a dead rubber game on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Super Eagles are followed by Benin Republic on seven points and Rwanda on five points.

The Mediterranean Knights of Libya are at the foot of the Group D standings with four points.