Interim Super Eagles manager Austin Eguavoen attributed his side's subdued performance to challenging weather conditions, but praised his team for their resilience in the second half, which earned them the crucial equaliser.
The Super Eagles played out a 1-1 draw with the Cheetahs of Benin on matchday five of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday, delivering a lacklustre performance, particularly in the first half.
Mohammed Tijani gave the hosts a first-half lead, but Victor Osimhen's 81st-minute strike leveled the score, earning Nigeria a valuable point. The equaliser kept Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers intact and preserved their undefeated run under Eguavoen.
With that goal, Osimhen etched his name in history, matching Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami on the all-time Super Eagles scorers list with an impressive 23 goals.
Eguavoen praises resilient Super Eagles second-half performance
Speaking after the match, Eguavoen acknowledged the difficulty of playing in the heavy downpour but praised the Super Eagles for their spirited second-half performance, which earned them the equaliser.
“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equaliser,” Eguavoen remarked.
“The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.”
The Super Eagles’ final qualifier will be a home fixture against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday, 18 November.
