Super Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen admitted that his squad came close to losing their penultimate match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but blamed it on torrential rain at the match venue in Abidjan.
Sports247.ng reports that it took a dramatic 81st minute header from Victor Osinhen to save Nigeria from another defeat against Benin Republic at the same venue where The Cheetahs had beaten them 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
Although many observers felt Eguavoen’s decision to adopt a 5-2-3 formation for the match at Felix Houphuet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan accounted for the Eagles’ struggles in Thursday’s game, the gaffer blamed it all on the rain.
AJ Auxerre of France defender, Gabriel Osho was all nerves on his debut, while Kelechi Iheanacho appeared heavy in a rare start upfront and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali allowed the ball slip through his legs for The Cheetahs’ opening goal in the 16th minute of play.
However, the introduction of Victor Boniface into an unexpected midfield role in place of Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon taking over from Iheanacho on the left side of attack turned the tide in Nigeria’s favour.
It was Simon who eventually outsmarted three opponents and planted a high cross for Osimhen to nod home a much needed equaliser that kept already qualified Nigeria unbeaten atop the group table, and Eguavoen admitted his relief afterwards.
“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half,” Egu retorted in his post-match comments.
“The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag.”
Eguavoen and his wards will now aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifiers when they host Rwanda on Monday in Uyo.
Their opponents will arrive with all fury and desperation to keep their qualification chances intact, following a shock 1-0 loss at home to Libya on Thursday.
Rwanda now have five points in third place, behind Benin Republic on six, while Libya are last with four points, but their shock win on Thursday already confirmed Nigeria’s place at AFCON 2025 in Morocco before the Eagles waddled through rain at the arena in Abidjan.
