The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw away against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday, November 14, 2025.
The game was played at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan as the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) did not approve a home stadium in Benin Republic
Benin Republic 1-1 Nigeria
Before the game, the Nigerian Super Eagles have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
This was following Rwanda’s 1-0 loss to Libya in the other group match in Kigali.
Benin Republic still had work to do if they were to qualify as one of the group runners-up.
The side led by Gernot Rohr would strike first as Mohamed Tijani converted a ball through to him by Junior Olaitan in the 16th minute.
That was the only goal of the first half as the Super Eagles were down despite dominating possession.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen rang the changes at the break, introducing Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, and Raphael Onyedika.
The Super Eagles struggled to break down the Benin defense until when Victor Osimhen was on the end of a ball by Simon in the 81st minute.
Both teams were unable to find the winning goal and settled for a draw.
The result means Nigeria will go through as group winners while the Benin Republic still has a chance if they beat the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in their final group game.
