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The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed a draw against the Benin Republic as they maintained the first position in their group.
Augustine Eguevon’s team needed just a draw against Benin to seal their qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
His team had to fight until late in the game to secure a 1-1 draw, with Victor Osimhen scoring the equaliser after missing a massive chance in the first half.
However, Rwanda’s loss to Libya automatically sealed the qualification for the Super Eagles even before the game.
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22:07 - 14.11.2024
AFCON 2025Q: Osimhen saves Super Eagles against Benin as Nigeria claim top spot in Group D
Victor Osimhen was on hand to spare Nigeria from a disappointing loss to Benin Republic
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22:06 - 14.11.2024
Benin vs Nigeria: Set piece struggles, and 2 other things we learnt in Super Eagles’ draw with the Cheetahs
Here are Pulse Sports’ key takeaways from the Super Eagles' draw against the Cheetahs of Benin.
Player Rating
Stanley Nwabili - 5
Super Eagles' shot-stopper Stanley Nwabili fumbled with Benin’s first goal as he let the ball slip through his legs.
Ola Aina - 5
Ola Aina was left flat-footed on several occasions in the game, which gave Benin Republic chances to penetrate the defence.
Troost Ekong - 6
Ekong, who captained the Super Eagles, was finding it difficult to get his defence coordinated. The lack of coordination led to Benin’s goal.
Cavin Bassey - 5
Bassey was caught napping a lot of times and was dispossessed in a dangerous position, leaving the defence in jeopardy.
Bruno Onyemaechi - 6
Onyemaechi did excellently in attack, helping Adeloma Lookman on the flank and also did well defensively.
Gabriel Osho- 5
Gabriel Osho made his debut for the Super Eagles but was not at his best as he struggled to connect with Ekong and Bassey. He also conceded the corner that led to Benin’s goal after a poor clearance in the box.
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Wilfred Ndidi - 6
Ndidi's presence gave the Super Eagles more control in midfield and tried his best to shield the defence.
Alex Iwobi- 6
Iwobi made sure the Super Eagles controlled the game in midfield, but defensively he failed to track his player leading to the goal.
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22:00 - 14.11.2024
AFCON 2025Q Benin 1-1 Nigeria As it happened: Osimhen sets record as Super Eagles held in Abidjan after sealing qualification
Follow all the action LIVE on Pulse Sports as Benin Republic face off against Nigeria in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers.
19:00 - 14.11.2024
Libya shocks Rwanda, send Nigeria to 2025 AFCON
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2025 AFCON after Libya shocked Rwanda in Kigali.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 4
Iheanacho was not at his best in the game and failed to impose any threat on the flank, leading to his substitution at halftime.
Ademola Lookman - 6
CAF POTY favourite Lookman was silent for most of the game but also had a few moments, showing his attacking quality on the flank.
Victor Osimhen - 8
Osimhen missed a sitter to put the Super Eagles level in the first half but atoned for his miss in the second half with the equaliser. The Galatasaray forward headed in a brilliant cross from Moses Simon.
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Substitutes
Bright Osayi - 5
Osayi came in as a substitute and played a key role in helping the defence remain compact.
Moses Simon - 7
Simon came in for Iheanacho and made a huge difference in the Super Eagles attack. The Nantes forward produced a superb cross into the box that led to Nigeria’s equaliser.
Onyedika - 5
Onyedika also did not give much after his introduction but helped the Super Eagles maintain their dominance in the game.
Boniface - 5
Boniface did not do much after coming in but made sure the team kept their attacking momentum.
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