Nigeria’s Super Eagles started their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers in spectacular fashion with a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman, fresh off his nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, celebrated the honor with two exceptional goals, setting the stage for Nigeria’s qualification campaign. The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the 2024 AFCON, are now well on their way to securing a spot in Morocco for the next edition of the prestigious tournament.
The Beninese side showed resilience in defense throughout the first half, seemingly on course to hold Nigeria to a goalless draw. However, Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta in Italy, broke the deadlock in added time of the first half. With an impressive display of skill, he outmaneuvered the defenders and expertly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s second goal came from Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year. Osimhen, who recently completed a high-profile move to Galatasaray after a transfer saga involving Napoli, Chelsea, and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia, made an immediate impact off the bench. In the 78th minute, after being substituted in for Victor Boniface, Osimhen unleashed a brilliant half-volley, courtesy of a precise delivery into the box by Wilfred Ndidi.
The Super Eagles’ dominance was further reinforced in the 83rd minute when Lookman scored his second goal of the match. Moses Simon delivered a pinpoint cross, which Lookman expertly headed into the top right corner, leaving the Beninese goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite some attacking efforts from Benin Republic, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was solid between the posts, making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and secure the victory for the Super Eagles.
The match also marked a positive start for interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who returned to the helm after a last-minute breakdown in negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation and German coach Bruno Labbadia over tax issues. Eguavoen’s latest stint with the Super Eagles began on a high note, especially as Benin Republic had beaten Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in June.
With this resounding victory, Nigeria takes an early step toward qualifying for the AFCON 2025, bringing confidence and momentum to their future fixtures.
