By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman bagged a brace with substitute Victor Osimhen netting the other goal.
The hosts came all out looking for the opening goal early on.
Lookman missed a chance to put Nigeria in the 17th minute.
The Atalanta winger was put through on goal by Wilfred Ndidi but failed to hit target.
Saturnin Alagbe produced a superb save to deny Samuel Chukwueze two minutes before the half hour mark.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to be at alert to stop Steve Mounie’s free-kick five minutes before the break.
With time running out in the first half, Lookman produced a moment of magic to give Nigeria the lead.
The 26-year-old dribbled past three defenders before firing the ball into the net.
The first chance of the half fell to Nigeria but it was wasted by Lookman.
Benin Republic grew into the game with Mounie testing Nwabali from inside the box.
Osimhen netted Nigeria’s second 12 minutes from time.
The powerful striker slotted the ball home after he was set up by Wilfred Ndidi.
Lookman scored his second of the game in the 82nd minute.
The Super Eagles will be away to Rwanda in their next game on Tuesday.
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