AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their passage to AFCON2025 without kicking a ball, thanks to Libya’s victory over Rwanda in the early fixture.
Austin Eguavoen’s men still needed to get a result for a sense of personal pride, and Benin were chasing a win, which turned the game into a spectacle.
Here are 5 things we learnt from the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan.
1. Is Kelechi Iheanacho finished?
Kelechi Iheanacho struggled against Benin, lacking the energy and sharpness that once made him a standout player. While he remains a skilled finisher, the emergence of younger talents Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface has pushed him down the pecking order. Their pace and power have made Iheanacho’s slower playstyle less effective.
Coach Eguavoen’s system doesn’t accommodate a support striker, and Iheanacho has struggled to adapt to the quick transitions required on the wing. His disappointing performance led to a halftime substitution, raising questions about his future in the team.
2. Set-piece remains a problem for Eguavoen
Nigeria conceded for the first time in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and it is not surprising that it came from a set piece situation.
While Stanley Nwabali deservedly got most of the blame for making a mess of what should have been an easy save, the root cause of the lack of defensive organization when it comes to set pieces. Eguavoen must work on this ahead of the Rwanda game and subsequent matches.
3. Moses Simon, the unsung hero
Moses Simon was the unsung hero of the match. While Victor Osimhen’s late goal stole the spotlight, Simon’s impact off the bench was just as crucial. He delivered the perfect assist for Osimhen’s equalizer, showcasing his clever vision and adaptability.
What makes Simon so valuable to Coach Eguavoen is his versatility. He can play anywhere across the front line – as a winger, wing-back, or even in a central role. No matter where he’s positioned, Simon’s skills make him one of the team’s most reliable players.
4. Gabriel Osho’s debut
Osho made his debut for the Super Eagles but it was not the debut he hoped for.
The Auxerre defender struggled to deal with the Benin attackers on a number of occasions, and made a poor clearance that led to the corner for Benin’s goal.
It is difficult to fault Eguaveon for replacing him at halftime.
5. Osimhen chasing Yekini
Victor Osimhen continues to move closer to Rashidi Yekini’s legendary record of 37 goals for Nigeria, thanks to his well-taken goal against Benin.
The Galatasaray striker now has 23 goals from 37 caps, and there is no stopping him on this form.
Still only 25, Osimhen could catch Yekini and surpass him within the next 3 years.
