Nigeria became the 18th qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after Group L rivals Lesotho and Sierra Leone settled for a goalless draw in Maseru on Saturday.
That result assured the three-time Africa champions Nigeria of a top-two finish three hours before playing Benin in Cotonou.
Nigeria have 8 points, Benin have seven points while Sierra Leone have three and Lesotho two points in the section.
Although third, Sierra Leone could qualify on Tuesday provided they beat Benin and the Squirrels do not defeat Nigeria in match-day 5.
It was a slow start to the match in Maseru with very few chances in front of goal as both teams squandered possession with poor decision making in the final third.
The first real effort on goal came in the 16th minute when Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara let fly from just outside the box, but the keeper Lesotho keeper produced a good save to deny him.
Sierra Leone were on the attack eight minutes later when Alhassan Koroma worked himself into space 16-yards out, but he dragged his shot inches wide of the Cape Verde goal.
The next attempt on goal only came in the 42nd minute when 24-yard free-kick from Mohamed Kamara was tipped over the post from keeper Sekhoane Moorane.
Lesotho created their first real chance in front of goal a minute later when Hlompho Kalake met a right-sided free-kick into the box, but he headed inches over from ten-yards out.
Lesotho also had the last say of the half when Tau Masiu fired a low 20-yard free-kick narrowly wide of the target.
The half ended 0-0.
Lesotho had first decent chance of the second half in the 63rd minute when substitute Litsepo Malabe left fly with a powerful 30-yard shot, but Moha Kamara produced an acrobatic save to turn his effort around the post.
Sierra Leone leave Lesotho unbeaten, but have not displayed the form that they displayed when they held Nigeria to a 4-4 draw in November last year.
