Goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen ensured that Nigeria’s Super Eagles began the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
Lookman, who just got nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards, celebrated the feat with two well-taken goals to set the 2024 AFCON runners up on their way to making it to Morocco for the next edition.
The Beninese thought that they had done enough to hold out for a 0-0 first half with a spirited defensive display, but the Atalanta of Italy star broke the deadlock in the added time of the first half.
Eagles’ other goal was scored Osimhen who recently secured a move to Galatasaray of Turkey after being in the middle of a transfer saga between Napoli, Chelsea and Saudi’s Al Ahli.
The reigning African Footballer of the year reminded everyone what he is capable of with an incredible goal in the 78th minute shortly after coming on for Victor Boniface.
Lookman scored his second of the game in the 82nd minute.
The result means that interim coach Augustine Eguavoen begins another stint with the Eagles with a convincing victory against a team that defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in June.
Eguavoen was drafted in to take charge of the team after an agreement between the Nigeria Football Federation and German coach Bruno Labbadia failed at the last minute over tax issues.
The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in their next game at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.
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