Super Eagles Clinch Group D Top Spot with Draw Against Benin

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday night at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Victor Osimhen’s late header equalized Benin’s early lead, solidifying Super Eagles top spot in Group D and ensuring their qualification.

Benin drew first blood in the 16th minute when Mohamed Tijani capitalized on a well-placed corner from Junior Olaïtan, sending a powerful header past Nigeria’s defence. Despite facing an early setback, the Super Eagles responded with resilience, creating multiple chances as both Osimhen and Moses Simon tested Benin’s defensive line.

The intensity picked up in the second half, with Nigeria pressing forward. Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute as Simon’s cross met Osimhen’s perfectly timed header, securing the equalizer. The Super Eagles’ defence held strong for the remainder of the game, sealing the crucial point needed for qualification.

With this result, Nigeria is officially set for AFCON 2025, bringing relief to fans and marking a critical step as they prepare for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Teranga Lions edged out Burkina Faso’s Stallions 1-0 in a tightly contested Group L match at the Stade du 26 Mars, solidifying their position at the top of the group.

Both teams had already qualified for AFCON 2025, but Thursday’s game was a battle for group supremacy. After a goalless first half filled with close calls, Senegal broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute. Substitute Habib Diarra, set up by Pape Gueye, delivered a well-placed shot from outside the box, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. Burkina Faso responded with a strong offensive push, with Lassina Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba forcing critical saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, but Senegal’s defence held firm.

The win maintains Senegal’s lead in Group L and preserves their unbeaten record, while Burkina Faso will aim to challenge their position in the final match of the qualifiers.

With Nigeria securing a spot in AFCON 2025 and Senegal remaining at the top of their group, Thursday’s games proved pivotal in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, setting up an exciting path for both teams ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
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