Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen star as Super Eagles defeat Benin

Nigeria got off to a winning start in Group D of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, beating Benin 3-0 in Uyo with a brace from Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman sandwiched between Victor Osimhen’s 22nd goal for the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time through Lookman, who jinked his way past three players inside Benin penalty area before slotting home. After sealing a season-long loan move to Galatasaray from Napoli this past week, Osimhen added a second goal on the half-volley with 12 minutes remaining.

However, there was still time for Lookman to score his second and Nigeria’s third goal, the 26-year-old capping off a memorable few days, which saw him announced as the only African footballer to be nominated for the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or.

Victory over Benin sees the Super Eagles top Group D as the only nation to have won across the first round of AFCON qualifiers with Libya and Rwanda drawing 1-1 in Tripoli. Their next match takes place on Tuesday against Rwanda at Amahoro Stadium, whilst Benin play Libya a few hours later.