Super Eagles Qualify for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, despite having one match remaining in the qualification process.

This was confirmed after Libya, who are at the bottom of Group D, defeated Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali. The result meant Nigeria could not be overtaken by Rwanda, who are five points behind with only one game left in the qualification series.

The Super Eagles had previously drawn 1-1 with Benin Republic, which ensured they would finish the qualification campaign atop their group.

With 11 points from five matches, Nigeria remains the group leader, ahead of Benin Republic on seven points and Rwanda on five. Libya, who are in last place, have only four points.

Although the Super Eagles are now assured of their place in the competition, the final qualification match against Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, scheduled for Monday, will still take place.

Benin Republic, however, now requires a win against Libya in their final game and will also need Nigeria to defeat Rwanda to maintain their qualification hopes.

Nigeria were runners-up in the previous edition of AFCON, where they lost to host nation Côte d’Ivoire in the final. The 2025 tournament will be hosted by Morocco.

A key moment in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic was the equalizer scored by Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

The goal brought Osimhen’s total to 23 goals for Nigeria, equaling the legendary Segun Odegbami’s tally.

The Napoli star’s header in the 81st minute earned Nigeria a point in the tense encounter at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Osimhen’s 23rd goal came in his 38th appearance for Nigeria, putting him at par with Odegbami, who scored his 23 goals in 47 matches for the national team between 1976 and 1981.

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Known for his pace and skill, Odegbami was a vital part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team and scored in the final against Algeria.

Osimhen’s achievement places him in joint-second position on Nigeria’s all-time top scorer’s list, behind only Rashidi Yekini.

The 25-year-old, who now plays for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, has been a prolific goal scorer for the Super Eagles, including memorable performances during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. He finished the campaign as the top scorer with 10 goals, including two hat-tricks against São Tomé and Príncipe.

As of Thursday, 15 teams have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the competition set to feature 24 teams.

The latest round of qualifiers saw Tunisia secure their 18th consecutive AFCON appearance with a dramatic 3-2 win over Madagascar, thanks to a last-minute header from Ali El Abdi. Gabon also qualified from Group B without playing, after the Central African Republic lost 1-0 to Lesotho.

South Africa and Uganda secured qualification after Congo lost 3-2 to South Sudan, leaving the top two places in Group K sealed.

Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed after a 1-0 win by Libya over Rwanda earlier in the day, ensuring their top-two finish in Group D.

Other nations, such as Ghana, have seen their qualification hopes revived. Ghana now needs to win their remaining two matches and rely on Sudan to falter in their final game against Angola.

Full List of AFCON 2025 Qualifiers So Far

As the qualification campaign continues, these countries have already secured their spots at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations:.

Already confirmed for the tournament are:

The race for the remaining nine spots will continue on Friday with 10 qualifiers taking place across the continent, further intensifying the competition as the tournament approaches