The Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their winless streak on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.
The three-time African champions had not won a competitive match since the Africa Cup of Nations in February but Ademola Lookman scored twice while Victor Osimhen came off the bench to also get on the scoresheet as they got the qualifying campaign off to a great start.
It was not all smooth-sailing though as the Super Eagles struggled to break down a well-drilled Benin side, handled by former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr.
The Super Eagles had two very good chances that they spurned in the first half, one of which fell to Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
The breakthrough final came in first-half stoppage time, Atalanta forward Lookman picking the ball up from just outside the Benin Republic box and dribbling past three defenders before slotting home.
The Super Eagles improved in the second half and found more space as the Cheetahs opened up in an attempt to find the equaliser.
After some close calls, the second Super Eagles goal arrived in the 78th minute, Osimhen superbly volleying home a cross from Wilfred Ndidi just six minutes after replacing Boniface to loud applause.
Ballon d’Or nominee Lookman sealed the win seven minutes from time with a brilliant header off a fine cross from substitute Moses Simon.
With the victory, the Super Eagles avenged their shock World Cup qualifying defeat to Benin Republic in Cote d’Ivoire in June, as they also rose to the top of AFCON qualifying Group D with three points.
Rwanda and Libya are joint second in the group after their 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
Next up for the Super Eagles is Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday.
