Interim Boss Austin Eguavoen Reacts To Nigeria Super Eagles Poor Performance In The 1-1 Draw Against Benin Rep. In Abidjan.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to beat Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Abidjan on Thursday night.

Benin who dominated the game in the first half, saw Mohamed Tijani scoring an early goal in the first half (16mins) to give Gernot Rohr’s side the lead.

The Cheetahs looked to repeat a shock triumph over the Super Eagles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the same stadium last year.

However, the reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen equalised nine minutes from full time to secure a 1-1 draw in Abidjan.

It's now 23 goals for Osimhen with the Super Eagles, as he is now joint second All Time Top Scorer with the legendary Olusegun Odegbami.

The result ensures that Nigeria will finish Group D with 11 points from five matches, as they secured their ticket for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco next year.

Benin, meanwhile, occupy the second position with 7 points from five games. Benin will have to fight for the second place qualification spot by avoiding a defeat when they travel to Libya in their final group game on Monday, November 8, and hope Rwanda doesn't win Nigeria in Uyo same day.

Rwanda and Libya sit in third position and fourth with 5 and 4 points respectively.

Interim head-coach Augustine Eguavoen whose future is still uncertain with the Super Eagles team reacted to the poor performance of the team on the night, blaming it on the poor weather as it rained heavily during the encounter.

“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equaliser,” Eguavoen explained. 

“The downpour made the game difficult for both teams.

"Coming into this game, we haven't lost a game and we wanted to maintain that and try to win the game here, worst case scenario a draw. We want to qualify without losing a single game, we knew we are capable of it all.

"We have all the qualities and whatever it takes to beat anybody anyday or anytime. Nigeria is a team is respected and we have to maintain that.

"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.”

Eguavoen remains unbeaten in the AFCON qualifiers, securing three wins and two draws, and he can go unbeaten in the group stage against Rwanda on Monday.