A busy evening of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier (AFCON 2025) ended with the Super Eagles cruising to a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Augustine Eguavoen's side produced an assured display to secure the all-important victory, with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman scoring twice and substitute Victor Osimhen adding another goal to secure the win for Nigeria.
For large parts of the game, it looked like the Nigeria would ease to a comfortable win, but that was not to be with Lookman and Victor Boniface missing glaring chances.
With this result, Nigeria avenged their defeat to the Cheetahs in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ivory Coast last June, while also securing their first victory in their last three matches.
Nigeria vs Benin: How it happened
Interim manager Eguavoen handed a starting berth to William Troost-Ekong, marking his first Super Eagles appearance since the last AFCON. He was joined in defence by Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, while Stanley Nwabali retained his position as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper.
The midfield trio featured Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi, while Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface spearheaded the attack.
Nigeria began the game with great intensity, asserting their dominance over Benin by moving the ball swiftly and forcing their opponents into constant chasing.
Despite creating several promising opportunities, they were unable to take the lead during their best spells. However, just before half-time, Lookman capitalised on a mistake by Steve Mounie, surging into the Benin penalty box, skillfully evading four defenders, and calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou to give Nigeria the lead.
Osimhen after replacing Boniface extended Nigeria's lead with Lookman scoring his second of the evening and Nigeria's third in the 83rd minute.
Benin had a few chances of their own, with Mounie and Junior Olaitan coming close to scoring. However, Nwabali was equal to the task, making crucial saves to preserve Nigeria's lead.
Eguavoen passes Benin test with flying colours
All eyes were on Nigeria’s interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen, as the debate over whether an expatriate or a local coach is the best fit for the Super Eagles intensified in the hours leading up to the game.
However, much to the disappointment of those advocating for an expatriate, Eguavoen silenced the critics by passing the test with flying colours.
Every member of the team knew his individual and collective responsibilities on Saturday. The confidence he has instilled in the team suggests a bright future; they play a lot with a huge gulf of quality and Eguavoen deserves the chance to build something long term with if he so pleases.
