The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Team led by Interim coach, Austin Eguavoen adopted a 3-4-3 formation, with several changes from the squad that faced the Cheetahs in June (2026 World Cup Qualifier). Eguavoen handed Bruno Onyemaechi a starting role, reintroduced William Troost-Ekong into the lineup, and tasked Victor Boniface with leading the attack.
Nigeria experienced an early injury scare when Calvin Bassey collided with Beninioise striker, Steve Mounié, but the Fulham defender was able to continue playing.
The Super Eagles created their first real chance in the 11th minute from Ademola Lookman’s corner, but Victor Boniface failed to convert. Just three minutes later, Lookman narrowly missed scoring after receiving a precise pass from Samuel Chukwueze, but his shot went wide.
In the 26th minute, Chukwueze forced Benin goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou into action with a free-kick that was tipped over the bar. Onyemaechi attempted to set up Boniface for a goal just after the half-hour mark, but Dandjinou quickly came off his line to deny the forward.
Benin’s first shot on target came in the 40th minute when Nigerian Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali had to parry away a free-kick. However, it was Nigeria who broke the deadlock two minutes into first-half stoppage time, with Lookman skillfully weaving past defenders before slotting the ball home.
Six minutes into the second half, Alex Iwobi delivered a through ball to Lookman, who dribbled past the goalkeeper but couldn’t finish past the covering defender. Boniface later attempted a volley from Lookman’s pass in the 61st minute, but his effort went off target.
Steve Mounié threatened to level the score for Benin with two close attempts, but Nwabali was equal to the task, denying him on both occasions.
New Galatasaray Player and African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen came in as a substitute and doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 78th minute with an acrobatic finish following Ndidi’s deflected pass. Osimhen nearly added other minutes later but was unable to sort out his feet when trying to round the goalkeeper.
Eight minutes before full-time, Lookman sealed the victory with a header from Moses Simon’s cross, securing his brace. Benin, unable to find a way past Nigeria’s defense, suffered their 14th loss against their West African rivals.
The Super Eagles will next face Rwanda in their second qualifier match on Tuesday afternoon at the Amahoro National Stadium in Rwanda.
