The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0, in their AFCON 2025 qualifying match on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium in Uyo
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman scored the opening goal in the added time of the first half
Lookman attacked from the left wing, with Victor Boniface making an impressive run to take out two defenders, allowing the former England youth international to beat the goalkeeper.
The Eagles wasted many chances in the first half, including Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze, who completed the front three in Austin Eguavoen’s 3-4-3 formation. Boniface expectedly led the attack ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi, who had been dealing with injuries, and Victor Osimhen, who arrived late in camp after completing his loan move to Galatasaray.
Osimhen came off the bench to score the second goal, his first for the country since returning from AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. The Galatasaray forward wasted another chance to score his second, minutes later before in-form attacker Lookman added his second goal of the day to make it 3-0 for Nigeria.
It was a winning return for Austin Eguavoen, who coached Nigeria at AFCON 2021 and was not expected to be on the bench.
The victory has given Nigeria an edge over other teams in Group D ahead of their upcoming match against Rwanda on Tuesday.
The team’s strong performance against Benin Republic is a positive sign for their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament
