Nigeria trail Benin Republic 1-0 at the break in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after a well placed header from Muhammed Tijani handed the home side the lead at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the heart of the Ivorian capital on Thursday night.
Before kickoff, Libya picked up a surprise 1-0 win against Rwanda and improved their points haul to four. The result guaranteed Super Eagles’ AFCON ticket.
The result in Kigali pumped up Benin Republic who knew they needed to win. The foregoing dynamics will made up for a vicious 90 minutes in Abidjan.
Benin Republic took the lead in the 16th minute when Tijani headed the ball between the legs of Chief Stanley Nwabali following a sweet cross from Ishola Olaitan.
The Super Eagles had a great chance to level as Ademola Lookman latched on to Kelechi Iheanacho’s ball, but the Atalanta man was denied by the keeper.
Tijani came within inches of handing Benin Republic the second goal following a meelee but he was denied by the outstretched legs of debutant Gabriel Osho.
