Nigeria’s Super Eagles won 3-0 over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday to kick off the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers.
Lookman, who was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, scored two goals to help the 2024 AFCON runners-up advance to Morocco for the next tournament.
The Beninese believed they had done enough to keep the score 0-0 following a spirited defensive performance, but the Atalanta of Italy star broke the deadlock in the extra time of the first half after brilliantly escaping from the Beninese defenders to release a short.
Osimhen, who had previously been linked with Napoli, Chelsea, and Al Ahli, scored the Eagles’ other goal.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year reminded everyone of his abilities with a spectacular goal in the 78th minute, shortly after replacing Victor Boniface.
Osimhen connected solidly with the ball for a stunning half-volley after Wilfred Ndidi played the ball into the Beninese box, making it 2-0 for Nigeria.
Lookman clinched the victory in the 83rd minute with his second of the day, meeting a Moses Simon cross with his head and placing the ball on the top right angle of the post, beyond the keeper.
The Cheetahs posed some attacking threats of their own, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali came prepared, making some crucial saves to protect Nigeria’s clean sheet.
The result means that interim coach Augustine Eguavoen begins his second term with the Eagles with a convincing win over a squad who defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in June.
The Nigeria Football Federation and German coach Bruno Labbadia were unable to reach an agreement due to tax difficulties, prompting Eguavoen to take over as head coach.
