Osimhen's Late Heroics Keep Nigeria Unbeaten in AFCON Qualifier Against Benin

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Benin on November 14, 2024, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Despite Nigeria's dominant position in the group, Benin took the lead early, with Mohamed Tijani scoring in the 16th minute. Benin managed to hold Nigeria off throughout the first half, going into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Nigeria, already qualified for the AFCON, struggled to break through Benin’s defense for much of the game. It wasn't until the 81st minute that Victor Osimhen found the equalizer with a well-placed header from a Moses Simon cross, pushing his national tally to 23 goals and tying him with Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami as the Super Eagles' joint-second all-time top scorer.

This draw solidified Nigeria's spot at the top of their group D with 11 points, leaving Benin in second place.

Nigeria will conclude their qualification campaign with a match against Rwanda in Uyo.