Lookman Strikes Twice, Osimhen on Target As Nigeria Defeat Benin Republic

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman continued his scintillating form for club and country with two goals each halves to help Nigeria defeat neighbours, Benin Republic by a 3-0 margin in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday in Uyo.

The win for Nigeria in the Group D encounter was a perfect payback to the West African nation who defeated them by 2-1 margin three months ago.

Nigeria broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime with Lookman’s fine individual effort, as he cut in from the wing before striking home.

Osimhen, in his first game this season after moving from Napoli to Galatasaray on loan last week, swept home the second goal in the 78th minute. He was left unmarked in front of goal and tucked away a deflected cross from Wilfred Ndidi.

Lookman added the third five minutes later with a clever angled header from Moses Simon’s cross.

Lookman was the only African to be named earlier in the week among the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or, on the back of his hat-trick for Atalanta in May’s Europa League final and his role in helping Nigeria to the Cup of Nations decider in the Ivory Coast in February.