The national football team, the Super Eagles, opened their qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The win, secured by goals from Ademola Lookman and substitute Victor Osimhen, lifted the spirits of Nigerian football fans after recent World Cup qualification setbacks.
Ademola Lookman, who was recently nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or award, was the star of the match, scoring twice.
He opened the scoring just before half-time with a stunning solo goal, calming anxious supporters at the stadium.
His second goal, a header from a Moses Simon cross, came in the 84th minute and sealed the victory for the Super Eagles.
Victor Osimhen, who came off the bench in the second half, added a second goal in the 79th minute, volleying home a cross from Wilfred Ndidi.
Osimhen’s performance delighted fans, who have high hopes for the Galatasaray striker after his recent loan move from Napoli.
For Nigerian supporters, the result was especially sweet, given that Benin had previously defeated Nigeria during a World Cup qualification match in June, leading to the resignation of former coach Finidi George.
This comfortable win was a chance for the team to restore faith in their abilities.
Speaking after the match, interim coach Austin Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: “The boys played with determination, and we showed that we can bounce back from tough times.
“This win is just the beginning; we still have a long way to go in this AFCON qualification campaign.”
While Nigeria celebrated, it was a difficult evening for Benin.
The defeat marked the first loss for the Squirrels under the management of their former coach, Gernot Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles.
Benin had come into the game with confidence after their World Cup victory over Nigeria but struggled to contain the Nigerian attack.
Despite a few bright moments, including a shot from Steve Mounié that tested Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali in the second half, Benin could not find a way to break down the resolute Nigerian defense led by Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.
Rohr acknowledged the difficulty of facing his former team: “Nigeria is a strong side, and we knew it would be a tough match. We have to regroup and prepare for the next game.
“There is still a lot to play for in this qualification campaign.”
Ademola Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Italy, was lively throughout the match. His skill and pace troubled Benin’s defense from the outset, and his first goal came in the 45th minute after a brilliant solo run.
Cutting inside from the left, Lookman dribbled past two defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Lookman’s performance drew praise from fans and pundits alike, many of whom believe he could play a crucial role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
His recent Ballon d’Or nomination has only added to the excitement surrounding his potential.
In the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate possession and create chances. Victor Boniface, who started up front, had a few good opportunities but was unable to convert.
However, when Victor Osimhen came off the bench, the game took a decisive turn. Osimhen’s goal in the 79th minute, a well-taken volley from a pinpoint Ndidi cross, gave Nigeria a comfortable lead.
Five minutes later, Lookman completed his brace, heading in Simon’s cross to make it 3-0.
This win puts Nigeria in a strong position in their group, which also includes Libya and Rwanda.
With three points from their opening match, the Super Eagles sit at the top of the table, while Libya and Rwanda played out a draw, leaving both teams with one point each.
Nigeria’s next match in the AFCON qualifiers is against Rwanda on September 10, 2024.
A win in that game would further strengthen their chances of qualifying for the tournament, which will be held in Ivory Coast.
Coach Eguavoen is confident that the team can maintain their momentum: “We are focused on Rwanda now. Every game in this group is important, and we need to stay consistent.”
The victory against Benin provided a much-needed morale boost for Nigerian football fans, who have endured a difficult period recently.
The Super Eagles’ poor start to the World Cup qualifiers, including the loss to Benin in June, led to Finidi George stepping down as head coach.
His resignation came amid criticism over team performances and concerns about the direction of Nigerian football.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently in talks with German coach Bruno Labbadia, who is expected to take over as the permanent head coach of the Super Eagles.
However, negotiations have been slow, and Austin Eguavoen has been handling the team on an interim basis.
Eguavoen, who has managed the Super Eagles in the past, will be keen to prove that he can guide the team through the AFCON qualifiers.
