![[Watch]: Ademola Lookman scores fantastic solo goal against Benin](https://i0.wp.com/sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07092024/5491c39a-754c-48d5-b7a6-d03e3a8c9e23.png?w=640&ssl=1)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 AFCON qualifiers in emphatic style on Saturday, beating the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The Super Eagles started as expected, on the front foot as they dominated most of the opening half but struggled to find a way around the Benin defence.
However, just before the break, Lookman, 26, finally broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo goal to save Nigeria’s blushes heading into the break.
In the second 45, Eguavoen and his team started as the ended the first, on a positive note but failed to find the second goal, with Lookman the closest again after rounding the goal in the 52nd minute.
Shortly after replacing Victor Boniface, Osimhen, the new Galatasaray signing, doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a beautiful volley. The reigning African Player of the Year got on the end of a cross from Wilfred Ndidi and smacked his shot beyond the keeper in the 78th minute to make it 2-0.
Lookman wrapped up proceedings with his second and Nigeria’s third five minutes later to seal the deal and Nigeria’s first win since March.
The victory was the first in five competitive games, with the team’s last outing being unexpected 2-1 defeat against the Benin Republic in Abidjan in June during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.