Super Eagles prior to the encounter were beaten 2-1 by the same opposition in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in June
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday evening.
Prior to the encounter, Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr had masterminded a 2-1 victory over Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in June.
But it was the home side who dominated possession in the first half this time around, although they rarely threatened the visitors.
They, however, opened the scoring in the added time of the first half when Ademola Lookman went past three defenders before putting the ball into the net.
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Second half substitute, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 78th minute after replacing Victor Boniface.
Lookman then scored his brace in the 83rd minute to make it 3-0 for the Super Eagles.
Earlier, Rohr had said it won’t be easy for his side to beat the Super Eagles this time around.
“As a coach it is an advantage to know the opponents, but it does not mean it will be easy,” Rohr told a press conference ahead of the game.
He added, “We know they have the better players, we don’t have the players in the big clubs like Nigeria. As a team, we have young players now, and I’m very optimistic that we can do something well.”
