By Nurudeen Obalola
Victor Osimhen struck late on Thursday night as the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with Benin Republic in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Having already qualified for the tournament before Thursday’s match kicked off following Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day, the draw with Benin ensured Nigeria finished as Group D winners with one match to spare.
It was not an easy point for the three-time African champions though, as news of their qualification appeared to have caused some complacency.
Benin, who had stunned Nigeria 2-1 earlier this year in a World Cup qualifier, took the lead at their temporary Abidjan home in the 16th minutes through Mohamed Tijani.
The defender took advantage of poor defending by the Super Eagles to head home through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to put Gernot Rohr’s side ahead.
The Super Eagles, despite having Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman in the forward line and Alex Iwobi in midfield, offered very little in attack in the first half.
They however had a glorious chance to pull level just before the break, but Osimhen somehow headed wide while unmarked 10 yards out.
Nigeria head coach Austin Eguavoen rang the changes in the second half, and one of his substitutes Moses Simon delivered a superb cross for Osimhen to glance home in the 81st minute to prevent another embarrassing defeat.
The goal took Osimhen’s Super Eagles tally to 23 in 37 appearances, level with the legendary Segun Odegbami and only behind the great Rashidi Yekini, who has 37 in 58 appearances.
The Super Eagles will wrap up their campaign on Monday in Uyo against Rwanda, the same time Libya will be hosting Benin.
Benin would join Nigeria in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON if they avoid heavy defeat in Libya and Rwanda fail to beat the Super Eagles in Uyo.
