Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Victor Osimhen’s equaliser in the final minutes of the 2025 AFCON qualifying clash between Nigeria and Benin Republic made Nigeria finish top of Group D.
Benin opened scoring on the 16th minute and this threatened to drag the push for the winner of the group to the final matchday.
Gernot Rohr’s side held their own and defended well, but Osimhen rose highest in the 81st minutes to head home Moses Simon’s cross to give Nigeria an unassailable points lead in group D.
Nigeria will now head into the final group game against Rwanda with that assurance and can now afford to rest key players and give fringe players game time.
The draw takes Nigeria to 11 points as against second placed Benin Republic’s 7 points.
The game against Rwanda comes up next Monday in Uyo.
