Ademola scores brace as Nigeria beats Benin Republic 3-0 to secure first AFCON 2025 Qualifier win

Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman’s brilliant brace and a powerful strike from 2023 African player of the year Victor Osimhen sealed Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic, led by Gernot Rohr during the AFCON 2025 qualifier first match.

Nigerian Austin Eguavoen’s side dominated the match from the start to the final minute, securing an emphatic result. The team’s brilliant performance erased memories of their heartbreaking loss to Benin during the 2026 World Cup qualifier in June. 

Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock with a superb solo effort at the Goodwill Akpabio Stadium Uyo during extra time of the first half (45+2). The Super Eagles close out the first half as Lookman’s goal finally breaks through Gernot Rohr’s team following a stretch of intense pressure from the Nigerian team. 

Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach, pulled off a masterstroke when he brought in Victor Osimhen for Boniface in the 72nd minute. The Galatasaray striker Osimhen made an instant impression on the pitch by doubling Nigeria’s lead with a spectacular goal that displayed his elite skill as a world-class player. Osimhen made it 2-0 in the 79th minute for the Super Eagles. 

Feeling that he deserved more than one goal, Lookman added a second to complete his brace for the evening at the 83rd minute and ensured that the three-point win at home was secured. 

The “Super Eagles” were under pressure to get a victory after losing to Benin earlier in the year, and the final score of 3-0 shows their preparedness and determination to win the game as they make 200 million Nigerians happy. 

Earlier today, Group D Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for 2025 began with a 1-1 draw between Rwanda and Libya at Tripoli International Stadium. 

In the opening ten minutes of play, both Nshuti Innocent and Gilbert Mugisha had great chances to put Rwanda ahead, but Libya’s goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi made crucial saves to keep the score tied.  

Following that, Libya controlled the game. Subhi Al Dawi broke the tie and gave Libya a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Libya was able to maintain their lead after the goal by adopting a more defensive position. 
Nshuti Innocent, with help from captain Djihad Bizimana, scored a goal for Rwanda two minutes into the second half to make it 1-1. 

Libya and Rwanda both have one point, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria have three points, and Benin Republic sits last in the group of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier.

Rwanda’s second group match against Nigeria is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th, at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, while Libya will be entertained by Rohr’s Benin Republic team at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.