AFCON 2025 qualifier: Brilliant Super Eagles fly past Cheetahs in Uyo

Nigeria's Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.

The visitors sat back early, allowing the Super Eagles to control the game.

Ademola Lookman squandered an opportunity to put Nigeria ahead in the 17th minute.
Wilfred Ndidi set up the Atalanta winger for a shot, but he missed.

Saturnin Alagbe made a fantastic save to deny Samuel Chukwueze two minutes before the half-hour mark.

Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, had to be ready to stop Steve Mounie's free kick five minutes before halftime.

With time running out in the first half, Lookman scored a magical goal to put Nigeria ahead.

The 26-year-old dribbled past three opponents before shooting into the net.

Nigeria had the first chance of the second half, but Lookman squandered it.

Benin Republic advanced in the game, with Mounie trying Nwabali from within the box.

Nigeria's second goal came 12 minutes later, courtesy of substitute Victor Osimhen.

Wilfred Ndidi set up the strong attacker, who stroked the ball home.

Lookman's second goal of the game came in the 82nd minute.

The Super Eagles' next game will be against Rwanda on Tuesday at Kigali's Amahoro Stadium.