Nigeria head five qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, as Ghana are given a lifeline in their bid to reach Morocco.

The result confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for 2025 AFCON as Group D winners with 11 points, following Osimhen’s equalizer in the 81st

Nigeria's spot at the next AFCON was confirmed after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0 on Thursday at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali

This was after Libya snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali in an earlier Group D encounter, thanks to a late strike by Fahd Saad Mohamed.

With time ticking out, with Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen made some changes. Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika came in for Kelechi Iheanacho and debutant Gabriel Osho, respectively. That move paid off as substitute Moses Simon provided the pinpoint cross that Osimhen headed into net for vital equaliser for Nigeria in the 81st minute.

With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday failed to beat Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier in Abidjan. Mohamed Tijani gave Gernot Rohr’s side the lead in the first half. Benin Republic also dominated the game in the first half.