Nigeria soared to the top of Group D in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

This crucial win gave the Super Eagles a valuable 3 points, propelling them to the group’s top. Rwanda and Libya sit in second and third places, respectively, with one point each, while Benin Republic finds itself at the bottom.

Goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen secured the victory, marking a strong start to the campaign under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Lookman, fresh off his 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination, was the standout performer with two brilliantly executed goals. The Atalanta forward opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, breaking through Benin’s defense with skillful play. He later sealed the win in the 83rd minute, connecting with a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon to head in his second of the game.

Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, also shined with a stunning half-volley in the 78th minute. The Galatasaray striker latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Wilfred Ndidi, leaving the Benin goalkeeper helpless.

Although the Cheetahs posed occasional threats, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept them at bay with crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the home side.

Eguavoen’s tenure got off to an ideal start, avenging Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Benin in a World Cup qualifier in June. This victory signals a promising beginning to the AFCON qualifiers, with Nigeria aiming to secure their place in the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Rwanda in an away match on Tuesday, fans are hopeful that the team can maintain their winning momentum. With Osimhen and Lookman in top form, Nigeria is well-positioned for a successful campaign.

Nigeria vs Benin Highlights

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, beating Emmanuel Amuneke to the job.

George, a former international player, served as an assistant to José Santos Peseiro before taking over in an interim capacity for two friendly matches in Morocco last month.

George’s immediate task will be to lead the Super Eagles in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

These matches, to be held in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, are must-win encounters as Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C of the African campaign, behind Rwanda and South Africa.

Nigeria has made a significant jump in the latest FIFA Ranking, now sitting ahead of AFCON champions Cote d’Ivoire and Erling Haaland’s Norway.

After their impressive showing at the AFCON 2023 tournament, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 14 places in the FIFA World Ranking. They are now ranked 28th in the world and the third-best team in Africa.

Despite their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to host nation Cote d’Ivoire in the final, Nigeria’s performance earned them plenty of praise. Led by coach Jose Peseiro, the young Nigerian side impressed throughout the tournament, narrowly missing out on a fourth AFCON title.

This move from 42nd to 28th is the highest climb for the Super Eagles in 11 years, matching their position in May 2013. They now sit behind Morocco, who moved up one spot to 12th, and Senegal, who are ranked 17th after moving up three places.