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Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated their Benin Republic opponents 3-0 on Saturday in their first 2025 AFCON Qualifiers match in Uyo.
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman shone as he grabbed a brace while Galatasaray’s new man Victor Osimhen came off the bench to score in between Lookman’s goals.
Led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles dominated proceedings and came close to scoring a number of times.
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Lookman flashed a shot wide of the post as Nigeria searched for an early opener.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, given the nod ahead of Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, came close to scoring a few times.
Meanwhile, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze troubled the Benin Republic defences with his dribbles and tricks on the wing.
Interestingly, 26-year-old Lookman broke the deadlock in injury time of the first half much to the excitement of the home crowd.
The second half began where the first ended, the only difference being Benin’s successive testing of Stanley Nwabali within minutes. That proved to be the away side’s most dangerous moments as Nigeria continued to dominate.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaced Alex Iwobi while Moses Simon came on for Chukwueze as Nigeria continued to search for more goals.
Osimhen and Lookman steal the show
Osimhen was later thrown into the mix, replacing Boniface, much to the delight of the roaring supporters who were eager to witness the contributions of the reigning Africa Footballer of the Year.
He did not disappoint as he blasted a first-time shot into the net with his first touch in the 78th minute.
Nigeria was not done, probing their opponents’ defence time and again. A third was eventually added when Lookman met an incisive cross from Simon, expertly heading the ball to the far post to leave the opposition goalkeeper helpless and rooted to his spot. Lookman’s second goal came seven minutes before the end of regulation time.
It was indeed a fantastic victory and sweet revenge for the Super Eagles. Benin had beaten Nigeria 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
There is no better way to kick off the AFCON Qualifiers other than this. With the victory, Nigerians will be energized ahead of their next game against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Tags: Super Eagles, Benin Republic, #SoarSuperEagles, #Afcon2025Q, ##AFCON2025Qualifiers, #NGABEN, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Augustine Eguavoen, Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali.
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