Nigeria vs Benin

Nigeria Schools Benin! Super Eagles Soar with Style in AFCON Qualifier!

Did you see it? Nigeria's Super Eagles brought the fire against Benin with a 3-0 victory! Find out how Ademola Lookman and the crew ruled the pitch!

In a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, Nigeria's Super Eagles triumphed over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With a staggering 3-0 victory, the Nigerian squad proved that they mean business this time around. The fans at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo were treated to a feast of football as the Eagles made their intentions very clear from the get-go.

The stars of the night were undoubtedly Ballon d'Or nominee Ademola Lookman, who dazzled with his brilliant performance, netting two goals. Lookman has been the talk of the town, and he didn't disappoint, leaving Benin's defense shaking in their boots. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen, still nursing a sense of vengeance from past defeats, joined the action as a substitute, injecting more life into the already electrifying match. It's safe to say that when these two forwards are firing on all cylinders, Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with.

As the match unfolded, the Super Eagles displayed tactical superiority, utilizing a mix of creative plays and strategic formations to keep the Cheetahs on their toes. The Nigerian defense, marshaled by the indomitable duo of Troost-Ekong and Adarabioyo, was impenetrable, allowing goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to enjoy a relatively quiet night. This kind of coordination and synergy on the pitch is exactly what the Eagles need to secure their place at the next AFCON.

In addition to the goals and assists, fans learned some valuable lessons from this match. First, the chemistry between Lookman and Osimhen is palpable and promises excitement in upcoming matches. Secondly, Nigeria’s bench strength is formidable. With players like Osimhen and Okoye starting from the bench, it’s clear that the selection choices made by coach Jose Peseiro are deliberate and strategic. The Super Eagles look set to reclaim their spot at the top of African football.

Interestingly, Nigeria has a storied history in the Africa Cup of Nations, boasting three titles and the distinction of being one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history. On the other hand, Benin, often seen as underdogs, have shown resilience in past matches, but they will need to regroup and refocus for future qualifiers if they hope to challenge their neighbors. As the competition heats up, football fans in Nigeria and beyond are eager to see how this exciting journey unfolds!