2025 Afcon qualifier: Three hits and three flops from Super Eagles 1-1 draw against Cheetahs

Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Benin on Thursday night, booking their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as group winners. 

While some players shone, others struggled to make an impact. Here's a breakdown of three hits and three flops from the encounter.

Hits

Wilfred Ndidi

The Leicester City midfielder was instrumental in breaking up Benin Republic's possession, showcasing his tenacious tackling and intercepting skills. 

Ndidi's impressive display ensured Nigeria controlled the tempo, and he remained unbeaten in one-on-one situations throughout the 90 minutes.

Victor Osimhen

After squandering a first-half chance, Osimhen redeemed himself with a clinical header in the second half, securing Nigeria's equalizer. 

His persistence and aerial ability proved decisive, and his goal capped an impressive individual performance.

Bruno Onyemaechi

Deployed as a wingback in the first half, Onyemaechi demonstrated his versatility and positional awareness. 

He consistently picked out promising positions, causing problems for Benin Republic's defense. His adaptability and vision make him a valuable asset for the Super Eagles.

Flops

Gabriel Osho

The former Luton Town defender's debut was forgettable, as his poor pass was the orchestrator of the corner that resulted in Benin Republic's first goal of the game. 

Osho's nervous display saw him replaced at halftime, highlighting the need for more composure and experience.

Stanley Nwabali

Although he recovered well after a costly error led to Benin Republic's goal, Nwabali's mistake raised concerns about his reliability. 

The Chippa United shot-stopper must work on minimizing such lapses to establish himself as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Still lacking a league goal at club level, Iheanacho's performance tonight was just a testament to his club woes - utterly shambolic! 

His lackluster performance saw him taken off at halftime, raising questions about his suitability for Nigeria's starting lineup.

Ejim Kaycee

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