Nigeria kicked off their 2025 AFCON qualification with a 3-0 win over the Benin Republic on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo.
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, setting the Tremendous Eagles on track for a snug victory. Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen opted for an aggressive 3-4-3 formation, with Victor Boniface main the road whereas reigning CAF Participant of the Yr Victor Osimhen began on the bench.
The primary half noticed Nigeria dominate possession, with the Benin Republic sitting deep to soak up the strain. Regardless of a number of makes an attempt, the breakthrough got here proper earlier than halftime when Lookman, who performs for Atalanta, broke by the Beninese protection to fireplace residence a medical end, placing Nigeria 1-0 up.
Within the second half, Eguavoen’s tactical substitutions proved key. Osimhen was launched within the sixty fifth minute, changing Boniface, and it didn’t take lengthy for him to make an affect. The Napoli striker doubled Nigeria’s lead within the 78th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Samuel Chukwueze.
Lookman added a 3rd objective in stoppage time, securing a brace and sealing Nigeria’s dominant efficiency. With this win, the Tremendous Eagles are well-positioned to progress of their AFCON qualifying marketing campaign.
Nigeria now turns its consideration to their subsequent match in opposition to Rwanda on September 10, 2024, with hopes of sustaining their sturdy type.