Lookman hits brace, Osimhen scores as Eagles thrash Benin Republic in AFCON qualifier opener

Ademola Lookman scored once in each half as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

The Atalanta winger punished a sleeping Benin defence and was joined on the scoresheet by Victor Osimhen who was a second-half substitute.

The victory is revenge for a 2-1 reversal suffered by the Eagles in Abidjan as interim coach Austin Eguavoen started Nigeria on a good path to Morocco 2025 qualification.

The Super Eagles created the better openings but a combination of wasteful finishing and good goalkeeping denied Nigeria.

Victor Boniface could not find the target when found from corner kick deliveries while Samuel Chukwueze’s free-kick was pushed over the bar by Marcel Dandjinou, Benin’s goalkeeper.

Dandjinou also saved at the feet of Boniface after good work from Lookman on the wing before the Atalanta winger would eventually break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime.

Lookman pounced on a loose ball and dribbled his way into the box before slotting into the bottom corner to ensure Nigeria went into the break 1-0 ahead.

The attacker failed to double the lead after the interval as he could not get a shot away despite dribbling the goalkeeper and the visitors almost made Nigeria pay for the missed chance.

Nwabali, who had expertly tipped a free-kick around the post in the first period, was however on hand to prevent Gernot Rohr’s side from getting a goal with two quick saves to deny Steve Mounie.

The striker’s fierce shot was stopped before another strike was easily gathered by the Chippa United goalkeeper.

A flurry of changes included Osimhen and the crowd favourite did not disappoint. The Galatasaray striker scored a volley into the net for 2-0 to end a six-game drought with the national team.

Lookam completed his brace on 85 minutes to seal the well-deserved win. Nigeria top Group D of the AFCON qualifiers with all three points from the first match of the series, while Benin Rebuplic are rooted to the bottom.