The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday evening.
After some recent struggles at the Nest of Champions, the three-time African champions flipped the script against their West African rivals, who were hoping to pull off another upset, Footballrover reports.
The two teams, who are also grouped together for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, had previously met in June, with Benin pulling off a surprise 2-1 win in Abidjan.
However, this time, the Super Eagles were out for revenge—and they got it, much to the delight of their home fans.
Atalanta star Lookman Ademola stole the show with a brace, while Victor Osimhen added the finishing touch.
The match started off cagey, with both sides cautious in the opening half, but Ademola broke the deadlock just before halftime.
In a dazzling solo effort, he danced past four Benin defenders and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom left corner, sending Nigeria into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Benin Republic step up their attack in search of an equalizer, but their hopes were dashed when Osimhen, who had just come on to replace Victor Boniface, found the back of the net.
Assisted by Wilfred Ndidi, Osimhen’s goal doubled Nigeria’s advantage and gave the visitors little chance of a comeback.
Seven minutes before stoppage time, Nantes winger Simon Moses provided a perfect assist for Ademola to secure his second goal of the match, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win for Nigeria.
Emphatic home win for the Eagles in Uyo!
Lookman with a brace and MOTM performance, Osimhen with a brilliant goal off the bench.#NGABEN | #AFCON2025Q pic.twitter.com/G9eQDRRJ85
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) September 7, 2024
It was a well-deserved victory for the Super Eagles, who dominated the game, registering 13 shots—five on target—while Benin managed just six shots, with three on target.
Nigeria’s strong start to the AFCON qualifiers puts them in control of their group, with three crucial points in the bag.
Photos: Safari Sports
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