Victor Osimhen Saves Nigeria with Epic Last-Minute Goal and Breaks Record in Thrilling AFCON Qualifier



Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen delivered an impressive performance on Thursday, earning the Man of the Match award in a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan. The Super Eagles secured a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match, where Osimhen’s late goal saved Nigeria from a narrow defeat.

The game began with an early setback for Nigeria as Benin’s Mohamed Tijani capitalized on a defensive error to put his team ahead in the 16th minute. Despite repeated attempts from the Super Eagles to equalize, Benin held firm, maintaining their lead for most of the match. Both sides demonstrated strong offensive efforts, but Nigeria found it challenging to break through Benin's solid defense.

In the 81st minute, Osimhen made a decisive impact with a powerful header from a precise cross, leveling the score for Nigeria. His equalizer was not only crucial for the team but also underscored his skill and composure under pressure. The draw added one more point to Nigeria’s tally, solidifying their position at the top of the qualification group with 11 points from five matches.

Osimhen’s goal was a personal milestone as well, tying him with Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami as the nation’s joint second all-time top scorer, each with 23 goals. Notably, Osimhen achieved this record in just 37 appearances, a remarkable feat compared to Odegbami’s 46 matches. This achievement highlights Osimhen’s impact and rising influence in Nigerian football.

The 25-year-old’s performance against Benin earned him widespread praise, and his Man of the Match award reflected his crucial role in the Super Eagles’ success. With his eye-catching display and milestone goal, Osimhen continues to establish himself as a pivotal player for Nigeria ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament.

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