#AFCONQ2025: Lookman & Osimhen on target, as Nigeria cruise past Benin 3-0
#AFCONQ2025: Lookman & Osimhen on target, as Nigeria cruise past Benin 3-0.
It was the duo of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who were on target for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, during their first 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.
Benin Republic’s goalkeeper, Saturnin Alagbe, made a superb save to deny the inform AC Milan talisman Samuel Chukwueze, but it was Lookman who finally broke the deadlock just few minutes before half-time.
The 26yo inform Atalanta forward, dribbled his way into the Benin Republic’s 18 yard box, before firing it into the bottom corner to give the Super Eagles the lead.
On the other hand, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was also on full alert to stop Steve Mounie’s free-kick five minutes before the break.
The second half looked like Benin Republic has grown back into the game, with their captain Mounie testing Nigeria’s Nwabali from inside the box.
However, Substitute Victor Osimhen netted Nigeria’s second of the evening, just 6 mins into his first professional game back since May. The striker slotted in his 22nd for the Eagles with a powerful volley strike, after been set up brilliantly by Ndidi.
It was on the 83 minute when Lookman grabbed his second of the evening, with yet another brilliant finish, to wrap up the win and 3 points for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in their next game at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.