Super Eagles dominate Benin Republic 3-0 in AFCON 2025 opening qualifier
The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a decisive 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.
Benin Republic adopted a defensive approach early in the match, allowing the Super Eagles to take control of the game. Despite their dominance, Nigeria initially struggled to convert opportunities into goals. In the 17th minute, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman missed a golden chance to put Nigeria ahead after being set up by Wilfred Ndidi.
Two minutes before the half-hour mark, Benin’s goalkeeper, Saturnin Alagbe, made a brilliant save to deny Samuel Chukwueze.
On the other end, Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into action five minutes before halftime, expertly stopping a free-kick from Benin’s Steve Mounie.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Lookman redeemed himself by breaking the deadlock in spectacular fashion. The 26-year-old skillfully dribbled past three defenders before firing the ball into the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The second half began with another missed opportunity for Lookman, but Benin started to grow into the game, with Mounie once again testing Nwabali from inside the box. However, Nigeria regained control when substitute Victor Osimhen doubled their lead 12 minutes from time, calmly slotting home after a precise pass from Ndidi. Lookman sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with his second goal of the match.
The Super Eagles will look to continue their strong start to the qualifiers when they face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.
