AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Beats Benin 3-0

iexclusivenews – In a thrilling AFCON qualifiers match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles showcased their prowess with a resounding 3-0 victory over Benin’s Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

The game, part of the qualifying rounds for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saw standout performances from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who led the charge for the Nigerian side.

The match began with both teams testing the waters, but it was Nigeria who quickly established dominance on the field.

Lookman, the Atalanta winger, emerged as the star of the first half, demonstrating his skill and agility throughout the opening 45 minutes.

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The game’s first real opportunity fell to Lookman, who was put through on goal by Wilfred Ndidi.

Despite the promising position, the winger couldn’t quite find the target, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

This near miss set the tone for an exciting first half filled with back-and-forth action.

Benin’s goalkeeper, Saturnin Alagbe, proved his worth with a spectacular save, denying Samuel Chukwueze what seemed like a certain goal just two minutes before the half-hour mark.

This save kept the Cheetahs in the game and highlighted the competitive nature of the AFCON qualifiers.

AFCON Qualifiers: Eagles Defensive Prowess

On the other end of the pitch, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali showcased his reflexes and positioning, making a crucial save to stop Steve Mounie’s free-kick five minutes before the break.

This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of Super Eagle performances in recent AFCON qualifiers, giving them a strong foundation to build upon.

As the first half drew to a close, Lookman seized the moment to break the deadlock.

In a display of individual brilliance, the 26-year-old winger dribbled past three defenders before firing the ball into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving Nigeria a well-deserved lead going into halftime.

Second Half Surge

The second half kicked off with Nigeria looking to build on their advantage.

Lookman had an early chance to double his tally but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.

This miss seemed to energize Benin, who began to grow into the game, with Mounie testing Nwabali from inside the box.

However, Nigeria’s depth and quality shone through as the match progressed.

The introduction of Victor Osimhen as a substitute proved to be a masterstroke.

The powerful striker made an immediate impact, netting Nigeria’s second goal 12 minutes from time after being set up by the ever-present Ndidi.

With Benin reeling from the second goal, Lookman struck again in the 82nd minute, completing his brace and putting the game beyond any doubt.

This goal not only sealed the victory for Nigeria but also highlighted Lookman’s growing importance to the national team.

AFCON Qualifiers Group Standings

This convincing win solidifies Nigeria’s position in the AFCON qualifiers group standings.

The three points gained from this match will be crucial as the Super Eagles aim to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The performance also sends a strong message to other teams in the qualifiers, showcasing Nigeria’s depth of talent and tactical flexibility.

With players like Lookman and Osimhen in fine form, the Super Eagles are emerging as one of the favorites not just to qualify, but potentially to go far in the main tournament.

Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifiers Journey

The Super Eagles’ next challenge in the AFCON qualifiers comes quickly, with a match against Rwanda scheduled for Tuesday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

This away fixture will test Nigeria’s ability to maintain their momentum and perform consistently across different conditions.

Coach Eguavon will likely be pleased with the team’s performance against Benin but will also be aware that tougher challenges lie ahead in the AFCON qualifiers.

The depth of the squad was evident in this match, with substitutes making significant impacts, a factor that could prove crucial as the qualifiers progress.

What You Should Know

Super Eagles dominant 3-0 victory over Benin in the AFCON qualifiers is a statement of intent from the Super Eagles.

With a blend of individual brilliance and team cohesion, they’ve shown why they are considered one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.

As the journey through the AFCON qualifiers continues, all eyes will be on Nigeria to see if they can maintain this level of performance.

If this match is any indication, football fans across the continent can expect more exciting displays from the Super Eagles as they march towards the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.