1999-2000 Europa League winners celebrate Osimhen’s decisive goal for Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON ticket

Victor Osimhen’s 81st-minute header thanks to Simon Moses’ assists, secured Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON qualification

Turkish giants Galatasaray have extended their congratulations to Victor Osimhen after his crucial 81st-minute equaliser against Benin sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles were facing a tough challenge in their AFCON qualifier against Benin, as Mohamed Tijani’s first-half goal gave the home side an early advantage.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Nigeria struggled to break down a resolute Benin defence, leaving them under pressure to respond in the latter stages of the game.

As time ticked down, the Napoli-owned striker, Osimhen, rose to the occasion. His perfectly executed header from Simon Moses’ cross in the 81st minute restored parity for the Super Eagles, which secured a vital point that confirmed their qualification for next year’s tournament in Morocco.

Following the match, Galatasaray, who famously won the 1999-2000 UEFA Europa League, took to social media to celebrate Osimhen’s important role in their nation’s success.

The club wrote: “Congratulations to Victor Osimhen who scored the only goal for Nigeria in the 1-1 draw with Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, securing their qualification from the group stage.”

The draw left Nigeria with 11 points from their group, a total that guarantees their spot at the AFCON finals, with a final qualifier against Rwanda remaining.

With qualification secure, the 2013 AFCON champions will now aim to finish their campaign on a high note when they host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, in Uyo.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • I love this post. What I like most about your posts is that everything is detailed and easy to learn from.

  • I learn something new every time I visit your blog. Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality content that keeps me coming back!

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

“I truly believe it” -Éric Chelle optimistic about Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, is confident he can lead the three-time… Read More

26 minutes ago

“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles… Read More

2 hours ago

Super Eagles’ new boss Eric Chelle reveals three Nigerian football heroes he admires

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons… Read More

2 hours ago

NFF President reveals Eric Chelle’s first assignment as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that coach Eric Chelle will only… Read More

3 hours ago

“We will score goals” – Eric Chelle’s first Super Eagles vow is great music to Osimhen, Lookman

Eric Sékou Chelle has promised to reinstate the Super Eagles’ reputation as a high-scoring team,… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Eric Chelle hugs Augustine Eguavoen at the Super Eagles coach unveiling in Abuja

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has met with Augustine Eguavoen at the venue of the unveiling… Read More

5 hours ago