Two goals from Ademola Lookman and one from the reigning African footballer of year Victor Osimhen ensured that Nigeria’s Super Eagles triumphed over Benin Republic with 3-0 to kick start their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers on a winning note.
2024 Ballon d’Or nominee Lookman broke the deadlock in the first half before Osimhen extended the lead for the Super Eagles with a sumptuous goal after the break at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Lookman scored the third and his second goal of the match in 76th minute after a good work by Moses Simon to seal the victory for Nigeria.
The victory was as a sweet revenge for Nigeria under interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen against their neighbours, Benin Republic from who they suffered 2-1 defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in June.
The Super Eagles created the better openings but a combination of wasteful finishing and good goalkeeping denied Nigeria.
Victor Boniface could not find the target when found from corner kick deliveries while Samuel Chukwueze’s free-kick was pushed over the bar by Marcel Dandjinou, Benin’s goalkeeper.
Dandjinou also saved at the feet of Boniface after good work from Lookman on the wing before the Atalanta winger would eventually break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime.
Lookman pounced on a loose ball and dribbled his way into the box before slotting into the bottom corner to ensure Nigeria went into the break 1-0 ahead.
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The attacker failed to double the lead after the interval as he could not get a shot away despite dribbling the goalkeeper and the visitors almost made Nigeria pay for the missed chance.
Nwabali, who had expertly tipped a free-kick around the post in the first period, was however on hand to prevent Gernot Rohr’s side from getting a goal with two quick saves to deny Steve Mounie.
The striker’s fierce shot was stopped before another strike was easily gathered by the Chippa United goalkeeper.
A flurry of changes included Osimhen and the crowd favourite did not disappoint. The Galatasaray striker scored a volley into the net for 2-0 to end a six-game drought with the national team.
Lookam completed his brace on 85 minutes to seal the well-deserved win. Nigeria top Group D of the AFCON qualifiers with all three points from the first match of the series, while Benin Rebuplic are rooted to the bottom.
Eguavoen stepped in as a last-minute replacement after German coach Bruno Labbadia reportedly backed out due to the Nigeria Football Federation’s refusal to cover his tax expenses.
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