Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign in style with a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7.
Following a 2-1 loss to the Cheetahs in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in June, the Super Eagles, now under interim head coach Austine Eguavoen, turned their tides against their recent poor form.
Despite Genort Rohr’s defensively solid setup, Nigeria, who missed several early chances, finally broke the deadlock a few seconds away from the half-time whistle.
It was none other than Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman who beat two Benin Republic defenders before firing past the goalkeeper on the stroke of halftime.
The second half was more eventful for Nigeria after Eguavoen made a couple of poignant substitutions that improved the team’s attacking output.
Barely five minutes after his introduction, 2023 CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen pounced on Wilfred Ndidi’s cross to double Nigeria’s lead from close range.
The evening couldn’t have gotten any better for Nigeria when 2024 Balon d’Or nominee Lookman increased the hosts’ lead to 3-0 in the 83rd minute.
Moses Simon, who came on as a substitute, sent a perfect cross to the CAF Player of the Year contender to head home his brace and Nigeria’s third against their next-door neighbour.
Nigeria kept Benin at bay to wrap up the win and go atop Group D ahead of their second group match against Rwanda on Tuesday, September 10, in Kigali.
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