Osimhen scores 23rd goal to equal Odegbami’s record

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria clinched a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the 21st time after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday.

The match kept the Cheetahs’ qualification hopes uncertain, but the spotlight was on Victor Osimhen, whose 81st-minute header not only secured Nigeria’s position as group leaders but also brought him level with the legendary Segun Odegbami’s 23-goal record for the national team. Osimhen and Odegbami now share second place on Nigeria’s all-time scoring list, behind Rashidi Yekini’s 37 goals.

Osimhen’s goal came from a well-placed cross by Moses Simon, canceling out Mohamed Tijani’s early strike for Benin in the 16th minute. Despite challenging weather, with rain pouring down over Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the game saw spirited play from both sides.

The Cheetahs initially dominated possession, putting the Super Eagles on the defensive. Tijani’s goal came from a cross by Junior Olaitan and slipped past Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.

The Super Eagles created several chances, including a miscue from Alex Iwobi after a header by Osimhen in the first half. Benin’s goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou, denied Osimhen before Benin’s opener, and Nwabali had to stay alert against repeated efforts from Olaitan. Osimhen missed another header just before halftime, narrowly missing a chance to level the score.

In the second half, Nigeria intensified its pressure. Ademola Lookman and Osimhen threatened Benin’s defense in the 55th minute, while Olaitan came close again for Benin after William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina lost possession. Osimhen continued to test Benin’s defense until finally netting his record-equaling goal, dashing Benin’s hopes for an upset.

With the draw, Nigeria secured their AFCON 2025 ticket as group winners and remained unbeaten in the qualification campaign. They will conclude their series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

Rwanda, with five points from five matches after a 1-0 loss to Libya, now faces an uphill battle to qualify. They must defeat Nigeria and hope Libya overcomes Benin in Tripoli to have a shot at the second qualification spot.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen praised his team’s resilience, stating, “It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for their spirited second-half display. The downpour made it challenging for both teams, but I’m pleased we’ve secured our AFCON ticket ahead of our final game against Rwanda in Uyo.”