By Gideon Maxwell
September 7, 2024
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman, a 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee, scored twice, including a solo effort just before halftime to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
Victor Osimhen, the current Africa Footballer of the Year, who came off the bench in the 72nd minute, extended the lead to 2-0 with a volley from a cross by Wilfred Ndidi.
Lookman sealed the victory with his second goal in the 83rd minute, securing a comfortable 3-0 win for the Super Eagles.
Interim Coach Augustine Eguavoen opted to start Osimhen on the bench, with William Troost-Ekong returning as captain.
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The team made several substitutions, including bringing on Olisa Ndah, Moses Simon, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
First Half: The game remained scoreless until Lookman broke the deadlock just before halftime. Calvin Bassey received a yellow card in the 39th minute for handling the ball.
Second Half: Benin pressed forward but were unable to score, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili making crucial saves.
Osimhen’s goal and Lookman’s second sealed the win, avenging Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Benin in June during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Next Match:
Nigeria will face Rwanda on Tuesday at the State Amphora in Kigali, aiming to build on this strong start in Group D, which also includes Libya.
