Nigeria Dominates Benin in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier Led by Lookman

Ademola Lookman scored twice as Nigeria defeated Benin 3-0 in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Victor Osimhen added another goal, securing a strong start for the Super Eagles despite coaching uncertainties. Cameroon and Mauritania also achieved victories in their respective qualifiers.

Nigeria striker Ademola Lookman continued his outstanding year with two goals to help his country to a 3-0 home win over neighbours Benin in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

Victor Osimhen secured the other goal in the Group D match held in Uyo. Despite uncertainties surrounding the appointment of Nigeria’s next coach, the Super Eagles delivered a comprehensive victory. Cameroon, led by captain Vincent Aboubakar, edged Namibia with a single goal, while Mauritania clinched a late 1-0 victory over Botswana in Nouakchott.

Lookman broke the deadlock just before halftime with a skillful individual effort, followed by Osimhen's goal in the 78th minute after a move from Napoli to Galatasaray. Lookman cemented the win with an angled header, exacting revenge for Nigeria's previous loss to Benin. Meanwhile, Nigeria's coaching situation remains unresolved, with Austin Eguavoen stepping in as caretaker coach. In Group J, Cameroon’s off-field issues continued to overshadow their match against Namibia. Marc Brys, newly appointed coach by the sports ministry, led the team to victory despite ongoing conflicts with the football federation. Mauritania's lone goal by Sidi Bouna Amar came in the 84th minute.

As qualifiers for the 2025 finals in Morocco proceed, each of the 48 participating countries will have competed in two matches over the next three days.