Ademola Lookman’s dazzling performance led Nigeria to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Lookman netted twice, while Victor Osimhen added a third to secure all three points for the Super Eagles.
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Coach Augustine Eguavoen, returning to lead the Super Eagles. Captain William Troost-Ekong marshalled the defence alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi were deployed as wingbacks, while the midfield was anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
In a surprising move, Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface started up front ahead of the prolific Victor Osimhen, flanked by Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.
Despite the strong lineup, Nigeria appeared cautious in the early stages. Benin, under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, set up a disciplined, defensive structure, making it difficult for the Super Eagles to find their rhythm.
Nigeria struggled with fluidity and sharpness in attack, allowing Benin to grow in confidence and threaten on the counterattack.
Though half chances fell to Boniface, Lookman, and Chukwueze, none could convert. As the half seemed destined to end goalless, Lookman produced a moment of magic.
Trapping a loose ball in the box, the Atalanta forward weaved past three defenders before slotting a low shot past the goalkeeper in the 45th minute. It was Lookman’s seventh international goal since his Super Eagles debut in March 2022.
Benin, stung by the late first-half goal, came out aggressively after the break. Sensing the shift in momentum, Eguavoen introduced Olisa Ndah, Moses Simon, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to replace Bassey, Chukwueze, and Iwobi.
However, the Beninese continued to pile pressure, forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into two crucial saves within the space of a minute to preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead.
Nigeria weathered the storm, and Eguavoen made another change, bringing on Osimhen for Boniface. The new Galatasaray signing wasted no time making his presence felt.
Just five minutes after coming on, Osimhen latched onto a low cross from Ndidi, blasting it into the back of the net to double Nigeria’s lead in the 72nd minute.
This goal marked Osimhen’s 22nd for the national team, moving him past Yakubu Aiyegbeni on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list.
Benin’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed in the 83rd minute when Lookman completed his brace, sealing Nigeria’s 3-0 victory.
The forward was once again at his best, finishing off a swift counterattack to round off a brilliant display.
The victory puts Nigeria in a strong position as they begin their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, with Lookman and Osimhen continuing to shine as key attacking threats for the Super Eagles.
