November 17, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Super Eagles have punched their tickets to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. However, the qualification journey has been anything but straightforward for the country’s senior men’s national squad.
Their qualification battle has been marked by controversy, tactical shifts and the stellar performances of key players, culminating in a dramatic qualification scenario. The Super Eagles needed just a point against Benin Republic on November 14 to secure their AFCON qualification and they managed to achieve this albeit in an underwhelming 1-1 draw. However, the context of this match was significantly altered before it even began, as Nigeria had already qualified due to Rwanda’s loss to Libya earlier that day. This turn of events meant that Nigeria had secured enough points to book their ticket to Morocco as one of the top two countries from their group.
There was minimal drama initially. The team was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Rwanda in their second 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Nigerian side failed to find the back of the net.
The match, played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, was a tactical affair with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria, who had thrashed Benin Republic 3-0 in their opening qualifier, were expected to easily overcome Rwanda. However, the Rwandan defence, marshaled by the experienced defender Eric Rutanga, proved to be a tough nut to crack.
The Super Eagles’ attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Moses Simon were unable to make a significant impact on the game. The Nigerian midfield also struggled to dictate the tempo of the match. Still, the draw meant Nigeria remained at the top of Group A with four points, but Libya, who drew with Rwanda in their opening match, were seem as breathing down their necks. A win against Libya in their next qualifier in Uyo, Nigeria, became crucial for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
This was the precursor to the major drama surrounding Nigeria’s qualification which began with a controversial incident during their trip to Libya for the reverse fixture after beating them 1-0 at home. The Super Eagles were held at Al-Abraq Airport for over 17 hours, which led to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) withdrawing from the scheduled match and filing a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
On October 26, CAF ruled in Nigeria’s favour, awarding them three points and three goals due to Libya’s breaches of regulations, while also fining the Libyan Football Federation $50,000. This ruling was pivotal, as it not only boosted Nigeria’s points tally but also set the stage for their crucial match against Benin Republic. The unexpected points from the Libya incident provided Nigeria with a cushion, allowing them to approach the match against Benin with a sense of security, even though they were still eager to solidify their position.
As the match against Benin unfolded, it was clear that the Super Eagles were not at their best. The game started with Benin taking an early lead, putting pressure on Nigeria to respond. However, the Super Eagles managed to equalise thanks to a goal from Victor Osimhen, who has been in stellar form for Galatasaray. His ability to find the back of the net has been a crucial asset for Nigeria throughout the qualifiers. The match ended in a draw, which was enough for Nigeria to secure their place in Morocco.
Despite the draw, the Super Eagles had already ensured their qualification due to Libya beating Rwanda by a lone goal, which added a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the match. Fans had anticipated a thrilling encounter, but the reality was a lacklustre performance that left many questioning the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
Austin Eguavoen’s interim management has been characterised by tactical experimentation and uncertainty. His decision to bench Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who has been in excellent form, in favour of the inconsistent Kelechi Iheanacho from Sevilla raised not a few eyebrows. This choice seemed to undermine the team’s attacking potential, especially given Boniface’s impressive performances in the Bundesliga.
Eguavoen’s tenure has been marked by a mix of promising results and puzzling choices, leaving many to question his long-term viability as coach. The tactical shifts he has implemented have not always yielded the desired results and the team’s performance against Benin was a reflection of the ongoing adjustments and uncertainties within the squad.
Despite the coaching uncertainties, Nigerian forwards have been lighting up European leagues, providing a glimmer of hope for the Super Eagles. Osimhen continues to be a standout performer, consistently finding the back of the net for his new Turkish side and highlighting his skills as one of the top strikers in Europe. His partnership with players like Ademola Lookman, who has equally been impressive for Atalanta, coming off his Balon D’Or nomination, adds depth to Nigeria’s attacking options. However, the challenge remains for these players to replicate their club form on the international stage.
The inconsistency in performance has been a recurring theme for the Super Eagles and it raises concerns about their ability to compete effectively in high-stakes matches.
Looking ahead, Nigeria’s next match against Rwanda on November 18 presents another opportunity for the Super Eagles to solidify their position and build momentum as they prepare for AFCON 2025. While they have already qualified, the importance of maintaining form and cohesion cannot be overstated.
The dismal showing in the World Cup qualifying series has raised alarms about the team’s prospects for the upcoming tournament in North America, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. The NFF must take decisive action to ensure that the Super Eagles are not only competitive in AFCON but also in future international competitions. The need for a substantive coach who can harness the full potential of the talented squad is paramount, as the current interim arrangement may not provide the stability required for long-term success.
Indeed, the journey to AFCON 2025 has been fraught with drama, from the Libya incident to tactical decisions under Eguavoen’s interim management.
While Nigeria has secured their place in Morocco, the path ahead requires a concerted effort from the NFF and a commitment to harnessing the full potential of their talented squad. The upcoming match against Rwanda will serve as a crucial test for the Super Eagles, as they aim to build on their recent qualification and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in both AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
