Benin Hold Nigeria to Draw, Eye AFCON Qualification Despite Libya’s Kigali Surprise

Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, expressed pride in his team’s spirited performance against the Super Eagles after their 1-1 draw at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Thursday night. The encounter was part of the matchday five fixtures in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Cheetahs took an early lead through Mohamed Tijani in the 16th minute, setting up hopes for a historic victory. However, Victor Osimhen, ever the reliable talisman for Nigeria, salvaged a point for the Super Eagles with a clinical header from Moses Simon’s cross.

While the draw kept Benin in second place in Group C, it also highlighted the uphill task ahead. Benin now need to avoid losing by more than two goals in their final match against Libya while hoping Nigeria can deny Rwanda a victory in Uyo.

Reflecting on the result, Rohr revealed his tactical focus had been to avoid defeat at all costs. Speaking to Benin Web TV, he admitted, “The message was clear: if we win, we qualify. But above all, not to lose. We are holding on to second place with one more point than Rwanda, so a draw in our last game will suffice.”

Libya’s Kigali Surprise

The German tactician also expressed shock at Libya’s unexpected 2-1 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, a venue where Nigeria could only manage a goalless draw in September.

“We were still surprised by Libya’s victory in Rwanda,” Rohr noted. “It’s not easy to win there at 1,600 meters altitude. Even Nigeria didn’t win there. But we stayed focused on our game and will prepare for what will obviously be a very heated final match.”

Benin on the Brink of History

The Cheetahs have missed the last two editions of the AFCON but are now in a strong position to make their fifth appearance in the prestigious competition. A calculated approach in their final group game against Libya could seal their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire, where the tournament will be held.