2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen, Lookman on song as Nigeria beat Benin Rep 3-0
Goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen ensured that Nigeria’s Super Eagles began the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock in the first half, while Osimhen extended the lead for the Super Eagles with a sumptuous goal.
Lookman’s third goal sealed the victory for Nigeria.
Lookman, recently nominated for the FIFA Balon d’Or award, was one of the Super Eagles’ best performers at AFCON 2023 earlier in the year, where his goals led Nigeria to a runners-up place.
Osimhen, who also endured a failed transfer on deadline day, culminating in the 25-year-old joining Galatasaray on loan, joined his teammates on Thursday.
The reigning African Footballer of the year reminded everyone what he is capable of with an incredible goal in the 78th minute shortly after coming on for Victor Boniface.
Osimhen connected well with the ball for a fantastic half volley after Wilfred Ndidi looped it over the Beninese defence to make it 2-0 for Nigeria.
Lookman sealed the victory in the 83rd minute with his second of the day after meeting a Simon Moses’ cross with his head to put the ball on the top right angle of the post beyond the keeper.
The result means that interim coach Augustine Eguavoen begins another stint with the Eagles with a convincing victory against a team that defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in June.
Eguavoen was drafted in to take charge of the team after an agreement between the Nigeria Football Federation and German coach Bruno Labbadia failed at the last minute over tax issues.
