The Super Eagles secured a 1-1 draw with Benin to confirm their place at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Ahead of the Benin clash, Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali had all but guaranteed Nigeria's spot in the tournament.
However, the Super Eagles were still eager to collect all three points and redeem themselves after a prior defeat to Benin at the same venue in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Eagles started the match positively but allowed Benin’s Cheetahs to seize momentum, with the hosts finding the net in the 16th minute.
Mohammed Tijani took advantage of a lapse in Nigeria’s defence, heading in from a corner to give Benin the lead.
Osimhen comes up big for Nigeria
The first half was far from Nigeria's best, as the Super Eagles struggled to convert their efforts into a goal.
The second half saw both sides trade control in phases, but with only nine minutes left in regular time, Moses Simon delivered a pinpoint cross for Victor Osimhen to head home, levelling the score for Nigeria.
Though it was not a standout performance, here are four key takeaways from Nigeria’s encounter with Benin:
Possession means little without goals
Nigeria dominated possession yet struggled to translate it into meaningful chances. Official match stats showed Nigeria with 64% possession and nearly double the number of passes made by Benin.
However, the possession rarely translated into an offensive advantage, as many of the Super Eagles’ passes were lateral or backwards, failing to advance their attack effectively.
This allowed Benin to reorganise defensively and thwart Nigeria’s progress.
The Eagles' slow build-up often allowed Benin ample time to regroup and defend in numbers, suffocating Nigeria's attacking efforts.
This issue must be addressed if the Super Eagles are to mount a strong campaign at AFCON in Morocco.
Iheanacho’s time with the Super Eagles is running out
It was somewhat surprising to see Kelechi Iheanacho in the starting line-up given his recent form in club football.
Iheanacho has yet to score in La Liga this season, with only two goals in a Spanish Cup game to his name.
One might assume his inclusion was due to past contributions to the Super Eagles, yet his recent performances for Nigeria have not lived up to expectations either.
In the first half against Benin, he seemed off the pace, and his set-piece deliveries were below par.
Unsurprisingly, he was substituted for Raphael Onyedika at half-time as head coach Eguavoen sought to inject new energy into the midfield.
Iheanacho’s lacklustre form at both club and international levels raises questions about his role in the team, particularly with a number of promising strikers waiting for an opportunity.
Unless he regains top form, this could be one of his final appearances in the national team colours.
Moses Simon is a game-changer
Despite often starting from the bench, Moses Simon continues to prove his value to the Super Eagles.
In their previous match against Libya in Uyo, his direct, energetic approach wore down the opposition, ultimately resulting in a winning assist for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Against Benin, Simon’s impact was felt once again. Coming off the bench, he provided the perfect cross for Osimhen’s equaliser, demonstrating his exceptional skill at unlocking stubborn defences.
Simon’s versatility—whether as a winger, wing-back, or attacking midfielder—offers Nigeria a tactical advantage, while his pace and flair consistently open up opportunities in tight situations.
Looking ahead, any coach selecting the Super Eagles line-up will face a dilemma: start Simon or deploy him as an impact substitute. Either way, his influence on the team’s fortunes cannot be overlooked.
Victor Osimhen is the real deal
If there was ever doubt, Victor Osimhen reaffirmed his status as Nigeria’s go-to striker by salvaging a point for the Super Eagles against Benin.
Although he could have added another goal or two, Osimhen’s determination to press the Benin defence and his ability to hold up play were instrumental to Nigeria’s offensive transitions.
Osimhen’s link-up play and tireless pressing were key assets throughout the match, underscoring his value to the team.
With 23 international goals, he is now closing in on Segun Odegbami on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list and could soon be challenging Rashidi Yekini’s longstanding record of 37 goals.
