How Libya helped Nigeria to qualify for AFCON 2024

Advertisements

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are qualified for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco even with two games to spare yesterday, with Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday.

The Mediterranean Knights, who mistreated the Super Eagles during their second leg match slated for Benghazi, defeated their hosts with an 84th-minute goal from Saad Mohamed, brightening their own chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco.

With that too, the Libyans ultimately secured Nigeria’s place in the 35th
AFCON tournament next year as Group leader.

The Super Eagles faced the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where the two teams share a point apiece.

With Libya’s victory, Nigeria secured qualification even before kick-off against Benin Republic, for the tournament, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Nigeria battled to a 1-1 draw with Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, a result that confirmed their qualification for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Benin opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Mohamed Tijani capitalized on a corner delivery from Junior Olaïtan, heading the ball into the center of the net.

The Super Eagles found themselves trailing despite creating opportunities, with Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon both testing Benin’s defence.

In the second half, Nigeria intensified their attack and were rewarded in the 81st minute when Osimhen met Simon’s cross with a precise header to level the score.

Benin fought hard to reclaim the lead, but Nigeria’s defence held firm, preserving the draw.

Nigeria’s qualification for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON marks a relief for fans and sets the stage for their preparations for the tournament.

Benin, meanwhile, remains in contention but will need positive results in their final game to have any chance of progressing.

Senegal take top spot in Group L with win over Burkina Faso

In a closely contested encounter at the Stade du 26 Mars, Senegal clinched a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, cementing their lead in Group L.

Both teams, already qualified for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, were competing for group supremacy, with Senegal showcasing their depth and resilience.

After a goalless first half filled with missed opportunities, Senegal found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute.

Substitute Habib Diarra struck from outside the box, directing the ball into the bottom left corner after being set up by Pape Gueye.

The Stallions pushed for an equalizer, with Lassina Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba forcing crucial saves from Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, but Senegal’s defence proved unyielding.

The win keeps Senegal at the top of Group L with one game to go, while Burkina Faso will aim to bounce back in their final match to challenge Senegal’s position.