2025 TotalEnergies AFCON: Osimhen Scores As Nigeria Hold Benin In Abidjan

• Super Eagles secure Group D top spot
• Burkina Faso’s Stallions lose 0-1 at home to Senegal’s Teranga Lions

Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, and ultimately clinch their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Morocco next year.

Battling to the one-all stalemate with the Cheetahs at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, though disappointing to many fans, was enough to confirm the Eagles’ ticket in a match that saw the Beninoise scoring about 16 minutes after kick-off when Mohamed Tijani capitalized on a corner delivery from Junior Olaïtan and headed straight into the net.

Despite creating several opportunities, the Super Eagles found themselves trailing with Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon both testing Benin’s defence without any success.

In the second half, Nigeria intensified their attack and were rewarded in the 81st minute when Osimhen met Simon’s cross with a precise header to level the score. Coach Gernot Rohr’s men fought back gamely to reclaim the lead, but the Eagles’ defence held firm to preserve the hard-earned draw.

However, the Beninoise are still in contention for qualification with a positive result in their final game, courtesy of Rwanda losing at home 0-1 to Libya in Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.

Senegal’s Teranga Lions Take Top Spot In Group L
In a closely contested encounter at the Stade du 26 Mars, Teranga Lions of Senegal clinched a 1-0 victory over hosts, Stallions of Burkina Faso, to cement their leadership in Group L.

Both teams, already qualified for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, were competing for group supremacy, with Senegal showcasing their depth and resilience.

After a goalless first half filled with missed opportunities, Senegal found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute.

Substitute Habib Diarra struck from outside the box, directing the ball into the bottom left corner after being set up by Pape Gueye.

The Stallions pushed for an equalizer, with Lassina Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba forcing crucial saves from Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, but Senegal’s defence proved unyielding.

The win keeps Senegal at the top of Group L with one game to go, while Burkina Faso will aim to bounce back in their final match to challenge Senegal’s position.