Morocco 2025: Osimhen becomes second all-time leading scorer for Nigeria

Posted : 15 November 2024

Nigeria has secured a ticket to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations finals (the continent’s flagship football championship) for the 21st time after a 1-1 draw with the Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, a result that keeps the Cheetahs' qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The game, played under heavy rain at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, produced several thrilling moments. The highlight came when Victor Osimhen celebrated wildly after his 81st-minute header sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou. The goal not only secured Nigeria’s top spot in the group but also brought Osimhen level with the legendary Olusegun Odegbami in the national team's goal tally. Both players now share second place, behind the late Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

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Osimhen’s goal, assisted by a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, restored parity after Mohamed Tijani’s 16th-minute opener for the Cheetahs. It was Osimhen’s 23rd goal for the senior team. Odegbami, who captained Nigeria and was a standout performer at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, also scored 23 goals but in 46 appearances.

The rain-soaked encounter saw two contrasting halves. The Cheetahs dominated possession in the first half, often outplaying the Super Eagles. Tijani’s header, from a cross by the lively Junior Olaitan, slipped through goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s legs to give the Cheetahs the lead against the run of play.

Earlier, Alex Iwobi squandered a chance after Osimhen headed down a Bruno Onyemaechi cross, and Dandjinou denied Osimhen moments before the Cheetahs scored.

Nwabali made a crucial save shortly after, punching away a dangerous effort from Olaitan. The match remained a back-and-forth affair until the 41st minute when Osimhen missed a golden opportunity, sending his header from another Onyemaechi cross wide of the goal.

In the second half, the Super Eagles upped their game. Ademola Lookman and Osimhen created anxious moments for the Benin defense in the 55th minute. However, Olaitan remained a threat, capitalizing on defensive errors by William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina. Onyemaechi, who ventured forward often, saw his shot narrowly miss the target, while Osimhen headed wide in the 74th minute, as the Cheetahs began to dream of an upset.

Osimhen’s decisive header, however, dashed those hopes. His goal confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for Morocco 2025 as group winners and ensured the Super Eagles remained unbeaten in the AFCON qualifying campaign heading into their final match against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

Rwanda, sitting on five points after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali on Thursday, must defeat Nigeria in Uyo and hope Benin Republic falters against Libya in Tripoli to claim the second qualification spot from Group D.

“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for their spirited second-half performance, which earned us the equalizer,” said Coach Augustine Eguavoen.

“The downpour made the game challenging for both teams, but I’m delighted we’ve secured our AFCON ticket ahead of our final match against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.”

Morocco 2025: Osimhen becomes second all-time leading scorer for Nigeria

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