Ademola Lookman scored twice, while Victor Osimhen added a third as Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a commanding 3-0 win over Benin Republic in their opening match of the AFCON 2025 Group D qualifiers on Saturday in Uyo.
The victory was a crucial turnaround for the Super Eagles, who had struggled in their previous three matches, registering two losses and a draw.
The last encounter between the two teams occurred in June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, where Benin came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.
With this win, Nigeria now looks forward to facing Rwanda in their next qualifying match on Tuesday, September 10.
Match Highlights:
The match began with Nigeria asserting early pressure. In the 2nd minute, Bruno Onyemaechi made a dangerous run down the left flank, delivering a cross that was deflected for a corner. Samuel Chukwueze also tested the Benin defense in the 11th minute, but his cross was blocked.
Ademola Lookman had the first clear chance for the Eagles in the 15th minute, but his low shot narrowly missed the goal. Victor Boniface came close in the 32nd minute, but his header lacked the necessary contact.
Benin nearly took the lead before halftime, earning a free kick in a promising position, but Stanley Nwabali made a brilliant save to keep the score level. Just before the break, Lookman broke the deadlock in the second minute of stoppage time, skillfully beating his defender and calmly slotting the ball past the Benin goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles maintained their dominance in the second half. Onyemaechi continued to cause problems for the Benin defense, delivering another threatening cross in the 48th minute, but Boniface couldn’t capitalize. Lookman nearly extended Nigeria’s lead in the 53rd minute but was denied by a last-ditch tackle after rounding the goalkeeper.
Benin came close to equalizing in the 65th minute with a shot from Steve Mounier, but Nwabali responded with a crucial punch to keep Nigeria ahead. Benin had another chance in the 74th minute following a midfield turnover, but William Troost-Ekong cleared the danger.
Victor Osimhen sealed the victory for Nigeria in the 79th minute, making it 2-0 after a well-placed finish, securing three valuable points for the Super Eagles in their campaign to qualify for AFCON 2025.
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