Nigeria start AFCON qualifier against Republic of Benin in Godswill Akpabio international stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom state with a 3-0 win goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
The duo ensured that Nigeria’s Super Eagles began the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic After Wilfred Ndidi delivered the ball into the Beninese area to make it 2-0 for Nigeria, Osimhen connected nicely with the ball for a spectacular half volley.
In the 83rd minute, Lookman completed his double for the day, placing the ball on the right-hand side of the post and past the goalkeeper after meeting a cross from Moses Simon with his head.
Lookman, who recently received a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, celebrated his feat by delivering two effective goals which put the runners-up in the 2024 AFCON on track to advance to Morocco for the next edition.
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With a strong defensive effort, the Beninese believed they had done enough to hold out for a scoreless first half. However, in the first half’s added time, the Atalanta of Italy star broke the tie by deftly evading the Beninese defenders to release a short pass to Eagles’ Ademola Lookman for the 2024 Ballon d’or.
Osimhen, who just signed a contract to join Galatasaray, scored the other goal for the Eagles. Turkey following its involvement in a transfer saga involving Chelsea, Napoli, and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
Although the Cheetahs did pose some offensive threats, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was ready and made several important stops to preserve the team’s clean sheet.
As a result of the victory over a team that defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in June, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen begins his second stint with the Eagles.
After a last-minute deal between the Nigeria Football Federation and German coach Bruno Labbadia failed due to tax concerns, Eguavoen was brought in to take charge of the side.
