Ademola Lookman scored a brace to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match on Saturday.
The game took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Lookman, who plays for Italian club Atalanta, punished Benin’s defense by netting once in each half.
His goals were complemented by Victor Osimhen’s strike after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The victory avenged Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Benin in Abidjan and marked a strong start to AFCON 2025 qualification for interim coach Austin Eguavoen and his team.
Nigeria dominated the match, creating several chances, though a mix of wasteful finishing and impressive goalkeeping from Benin’s Marcel Dandjinou kept the scoreline down. Victor Boniface missed key opportunities from corner kicks, while Samuel Chukwueze’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by Dandjinou.
Dandjinou also made a crucial save against Boniface after Lookman’s fine work on the wing, but the Atalanta star eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime. Lookman dribbled into the box and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at the break.
After halftime, Lookman missed a chance to double Nigeria’s advantage, and Benin nearly capitalized on the missed opportunity. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, made crucial saves, including one from Benin’s Steve Mounie, to preserve the lead.
Osimhen, introduced in the second half, ended his six-game goal drought with the national team, volleying in a strike to make it 2-0. Lookman then sealed the win with his second goal in the 85th minute, securing Nigeria’s position at the top of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers.
Benin Republic, with no points from the match, find themselves at the bottom of the group as the series progresses.
