
The Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign in style, securing a dominant 3-0 victory against Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium PeakNews Online reports.
Under the guidance of interim coach Austin Eguavoen, Nigeria employed a 3-4-3 formation, with several notable changes to the lineup from their last outing against the Cheetahs in June.
Bruno Onyemaechi and William Troost-Ekong returned to the starting eleven, while Victor Boniface led the attack. Early in the match, a collision between Calvin Bassey and Benin’s Steve Mounié briefly caused concern for the Super Eagles, but the Fulham defender quickly recovered.
Nigeria created their first major opportunity in the 11th minute from an Ademola Lookman corner, though Boniface couldn’t find the back of the net. Three minutes later, Lookman narrowly missed another chance set up by Samuel Chukwueze. Benin’s goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou, was kept busy throughout the first half, making a key save from a Chukwueze free-kick in the 26th minute.
Despite continued pressure from the Super Eagles, Benin’s defense held firm until the 45th minute, when Lookman broke the deadlock with a stunning solo effort, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, Lookman came close to doubling the lead after an Alex Iwobi pass, but a Benin defender blocked his attempt. Boniface also had a shot at goal but failed to convert.
Benin threatened to equalize through Mounié’s efforts, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made crucial saves to maintain the lead. Substitute Victor Osimhen then made his mark in the 78th minute, scoring Nigeria’s second goal with an acrobatic finish from a deflected Wilfred Ndidi pass. He nearly added a second but couldn’t round the goalkeeper.
Lookman sealed the win with his second goal of the night, heading home from a Moses Simon cross in the 82nd minute. The victory extends Benin’s poor record against Nigeria, marking their 14th defeat in the fixture.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next AFCON qualifier, facing Rwanda on Tuesday afternoon.