Ademola Lookman scored twice, and Victor Osimhen netted a goal as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying opener at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, capitalized on a lackluster Benin defense to score in both halves. He opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime, skillfully dribbling into the box and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Despite missing an opportunity to double the lead after the interval, his persistence paid off with a second goal in the 85th minute.
Victor Osimhen, who came on as a second-half substitute, also found the back of the net with a well-executed volley, ending a six-game goal drought for the national team.
The Super Eagles dominated the game, but wasteful finishing and solid goalkeeping from Benin’s Marcel Dandjinou kept the scoreline in check. Nigeria now tops Group D in the AFCON qualifiers, while Benin Republic sits at the bottom with zero points.
