AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Nigeria beats Benin 3-0 in Uyo
Ademola Lookman netted two goals and Victor Osimhen added another as the Super Eagles dominated Benin Republic with a 3-0 victory in their opening match of Group D in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers held in Uyo on Saturday.
This win marked a much-needed return to form for the Eagles, who had struggled in their previous three outings, recording two losses and a draw.
The last encounter between these two sides took place in June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, where Benin staged a comeback to win 2-1 after trailing.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will face Rwanda in their next qualifier on Tuesday, September 10.
The match kicked off with the Eagles creating an early opportunity in the 2nd minute when Bruno Onyemaechi made a run down the left and delivered a threatening cross that was deflected for a corner.
In the 11th minute, Samuel Chukwueze also attempted to make an impact from the left, but his cross was blocked.
Ademola Lookman had the first significant chance for the Eagles in the 15th minute, driving into the box only to see his low shot slide across the goal.
Victor Boniface came close in the 32nd minute, but his attempt from a cross lacked the necessary contact.
As the first half drew to a close, Benin earned a free kick in a dangerous position, but Stanley Nwabali made a stunning save to keep the score level.
Lookman broke the deadlock just before halftime, scoring in the second minute of stoppage time after skillfully maneuvering past his defender and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Three minutes into the second half, Onyemaechi delivered another dangerous cross, but Boniface was unable to connect properly.
Lookman nearly doubled the lead in the 53rd minute when he was through on goal but was thwarted by a Benin defender after rounding the keeper.
In the 62nd minute, Boniface attempted a volley from a long pass by Lookman, but it sailed over the bar.
Nwabali was called into action again in the 65th minute, successfully punching away a shot from Steve Mounier.
Benin threatened in the 74th minute after a turnover in midfield, but William Troost-Ekong was there to clear the danger with a header.
Osimhen then sealed the victory with a goal in the 79th minute, making it 2-0 for the Eagles.
