The splendid display by Ademola Lookman ensured a comfortable 3-0 win for Nigeria in their opening encounter against Benin in the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. Lookman scored twice, while Victor Osimhen sealed all three points with a third goal for the Super Eagles.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen returns to lead the Super Eagles. Captain William Troost-Ekong marshaled the defense alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, while Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi were deployed as wingbacks, with the midfield anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
In a surprise move, Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface started upfront ahead of the prolific Victor Osimhen, flanked by Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.
Despite the strong lineup, Nigeria seemed guarded in the opening phase of the game. With Benin tutored by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, they set up a disciplined, defensive structure that did not allow the Super Eagles to get into their rhythm. The fluidity and sharpness upfront were lacking, which allowed the Squirrels to grow into the game and pose serious threats on the counterattacks.
Though half chances fell to Boniface, Lookman, and Chukwueze, none could convert. As the half appeared certain to head into the break goalless, Lookman conjured a piece 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.
Stung by that late first-half goal, Benin emerged aggressively after the break. Sensing momentum had shifted, Eguavoen withdrew Olisa Ndah, Moses Simon, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Bassey, Chukwueze, and Iwobi. The Beninese, however, continued to pile on the pressure, and a minute later forced goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into two critical saves to keep Nigeria’s slender advantage intact.
The Super Eagles survived the momentum, and Eguavoen introduced another substitution, bringing on Osimhen for Boniface. The new Galatasaray signing did not waste any time stamping his presence. Just five minutes after his introduction, Osimhen latched onto a low cross from Ndidi, blasting 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 to seal 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 win places Nigeria in an excellent position as they start their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with Lookman and Osimhen still leading the charge as two of the potent attacking elements of the Super Eagles.
