The fight for qualification in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains unresolved, with Nigeria, Benin, and Rwanda all in contention as the fifth round of matches approaches. While the Super Eagles lead with 10 points, the final standings hinge on two critical fixtures on Thursday, November 14.
Nigeria sits on the brink of qualification, needing just a point to book their place in the tournament.
The group leaders, who started strong, stumbled with a surprising goalless draw against Rwanda on matchday two.
However, they recovered with a narrow win over Libya in the third round and benefited from a forfeit decision against Libya on matchday four.
Now, the three-time African champions face a Benin side desperate to secure a win.
Benin, currently second with six points, faces a tough battle against the Super Eagles in Cotonou.
The Cheetahs, who lost 2-1 to Rwanda in their previous encounter, have no margin for error.
A victory is crucial to maintaining their hopes of advancing, but overcoming a dominant Nigeria will be a formidable task.
Rwanda, on the other hand, remains firmly in the race with five points. The Amavubi will host bottom-placed Libya in Kigali, buoyed by their confidence-boosting win over Benin in the fourth round.
With the support of their home crowd, Rwanda has a realistic chance of overtaking Benin if results go their way.
A win against Libya would place immense pressure on the Cheetahs, who could drop to third if they fail to secure a positive result.
Libya, rooted at the bottom of the table with just one point, is mathematically still in contention but faces an uphill struggle.
The Mediterranean Knights travel to Rwanda with slim hopes of progression, awaiting the outcome of their appeal to CAF over the forfeited match against Nigeria.
Current Group D Standings:
- Nigeria – 10 points (+7 goal difference)
- Benin – 6 points (0 goal difference)
- Rwanda – 5 points (-2 goal difference)
- Libya – 1 point (-5 goal difference)
Matchday Five Fixtures:
- Rwanda vs Libya – 4:00 PM GMT
- Benin vs Nigeria – 7:00 PM GMT
As the final stages of Group D unfold, all eyes will be on Benin and Rwanda in their remote battle for the second qualifying spot. With so much at stake, Thursday promises high drama in the race for AFCON 2025.
