Breaking News

AFCON qualifiers: Lookman nets brace as Nigeria whip Benin Republic 3-0

Ademola Lookman scored two goals while Victor Osimhen added one as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers on Saturday.

Lookman, who was recently nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards, scored in the first and second half of the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Osimhen, on the other hand, came off the bench to score a goal for the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles who had lost 1-2 to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in June took the lead in added time of first half.

Lookman put Nigeria ahead after going past four defenders before placing beyond the goalkeeper.

Osimhen who replaced Victor Boniface in the 72nd minute, scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 78th minute, slicing in a well-calculated pass from Wilfred Ndidi.

AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Nigeria draw Benin Republic, Rwanda

Lookman went on to add the third goal in the match’s closing minutes to comfortably place the Super Eagles in their group ahead of their next match on Tuesday in Kigali.

With the victory, the Super Eagles have put a stop to their three-match winless run at home after thrashing Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in September 2023.

Nigeria will take on hosts Rwanda in their next group game in Kigali on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles are in Group D of the AFCON 2025 qualifying table with Benin Republic, Libya, and Rwanda.

The six-match qualifying matches have been scheduled for September, October, and November.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Davido drops custody case, cites mentioning of son’s death

Afrobeats star Davido has addressed ongoing speculation surrounding his reported child custody dispute, stating that…

6 hours ago

Glo launches Valentine smartphone deals with up to 18GB bonus data

Globacom is celebrating the Valentine season with a special Smartphone Promo, offering discounts on premium…

7 hours ago

NNPC reports N60.5trn revenue, N14.7trn federation remittance, N5.76trn profit in 2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reported a total revenue of ₦60.517…

7 hours ago

AMNI clarifies misreporting of court order in Cenroc dispute

AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited (AMNI) has clarified recent media reports suggesting that a…

7 hours ago

Court grants ₦5m bail to man over assault on Obaseki

An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin on Friday granted ₦5 million bail to…

7 hours ago

FCTA signs deals to transform Jabi Lake into major recreation hub

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed development agreements with Suburban Broadband Limited and…

8 hours ago

This website uses cookies.