- Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman scored twice in Nigeria’s comfortable 3-0 defeat of Benin Republic
- Victor Osimhen added a goal after coming off the bench in the AFCON qualifier match
- Netizens reacted to Lookman’s brace and Osimhen’s brilliance in Nigeria’s win
In an impressive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared to a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic, with Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen playing starring roles. Lookman, who recently earned a FIFA Ballon d’Or nomination, struck twice, once in each half, while Osimhen who has just joined the Turkish side, Galatasaray added a goal after coming off the bench, sealing a comfortable win for the team.
Lookman, who was one of Nigeria's standout performers during their run to the AFCON 2023 final earlier in the year, continued his fine form.
The Atlanta’s forward first goal in the game was pivotal as the team grew more confident and made more final third passes, while Galatasaray’s new signing, Osimhen, another key player for the Super Eagles team, found the back of the net shortly after coming on the field.
The victory has propelled Nigeria to the top of Group D as they set their sights on their next fixture against Rwanda on Tuesday, September 10.
Despite recent turmoil within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), including coaching uncertainties, the Super Eagles appeared undeterred, maintaining focus throughout the match.
Fans across the world took to social media to heap praise on the Super Eagles, celebrating Lookman’s outstanding performance and Osimhen’s brilliance.
Netizens praise Super Eagles’ win over Rohr’s Benin
TheRadar has compiled below some comments from Nigerians:
“Lookman and osihmen is who dy think they are,” @jakartadc01 stated.
“🔥🔥 Hotshots, keep dem goals blazing! ⚽️🏆💪🎉,” @iamreddsebastin exclaimed.
“Lookmaaan
This is the team they claimed was not good enough.
Finidi George may your ancestors find you
😭
Rwanda we are coming on Tuesday 🔥🔥🔥,” @TheSerahIbrahim affirmed.
“Lookman is surely the African Best player!” @rhaymoni exclaimed.
“No match for the African best,” @Sebast_tales stated.
“Nigeria dominated that game to be honest. The aggression, the coordination, the professionalism is top notch. Some few boys still dey misbehave Sha buh in general it was a good game,” @Orpaa_Jr mentioned.
“Today, realised that Nigerians are more happy when they watch a super Eagle's match. Congratulations to the Super Eagles. Osimhe baba,” @UltimateMinds24 praised.
“An excellent game. our attack looks deadly. i love itttttttttttt,” @_Nwoke_ike stated.
“Can we all now agree that Finidi George was not a good leader, and Austin Eguavoen is not just a leader, but a good technical director. He may not be the best, but he has proven time and time again that if you give him the boys, he can take them as far as they are willing,” @EdoSolomon2 mentioned.
“Finidi George told us that formation was not important and that this team isn't good enough but look at them scoring for fun.
Finidi should not be on any football team dugout. He's bang average at best,” @MistaChika said.
AFCON 2025: Match details as Super Eagles aim for solid start against Benin in qualifier game
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to commence their journey for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, with an opening fixture against their West African neighbours, Benin.
The teams recently faced off in June during a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier, where Benin, under the guidance of Gernot Rohr, stunned the three-time African champions with a 2-1 victory in Abidjan.
