AFCON qualifiers: Lookman, Osimhen on target as Nigeria thrash Benin 3-0

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen were on target for the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

Lookman broke the deadlock in the first half. Wilfred Ndidi put the Atalanta winger through on goal but failed to hit the target.

Benin Republic’s goalkeeper, Saturnin Alagbe, made a superb save in denying Samuel Chukwueze two minutes before the half-hour mark.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to be 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 second half fell to Nigeria but Lookman wasted it.

Benin Republic grew into the game, with Mounie testing Nwabali from inside the box.

However, Substitute Victor Osimhen netted Nigeria’s second 12 minutes from time. The powerful striker slotted the ball home after Ndidi set him up.

Lookman scored his second of the game in the 82nd minute.

The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in their next game at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.