2025 AFCON Qualifier: Five Takeaways From Nigeria 3-0 Bashing Of Benin Republic

2025 AFCON Qualifier: Five Takeaways From Nigeria 3-0 Bashing Of Benin Republic 

By Niyi Busari

Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 3-0 on Matchday 1 of the 2025 African Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday, 7th September, 2024 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

On the scoresheets are, only African Ballon D'ior nominee, Ademola Lookman (with one goal in each half) with two goals and African Best Player, Victor Osimhen scoring in the second half, four minutes after he came on from bench.

The Five Takeaways

1) The Eagles are still Super if they are motivated and determined to play good football. Coming from a defeat to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Cote D'Ivoire and couple with not-too-good results in the last four games, the Super Eagles were motivated for revenge and also to restore hope in Nigerians. 

2) Like he did during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Eguavoen has proved to be a master in winning the hearts of millions of Nigeria football lovers with good tactical display and result in first game as interim coach.

3) Nwabali still remain Nigeria number one despite Maduka Okoye fine form with his Italian club, Udinese. With his good display leading to the clean sheet in today's game, Nwabali is not ready to relinquish the number position to any goalkeeper at least for now.

4) In today's match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, Victor Boniface didn't do enough to convince Nigerians that he can lead the attack of the Super Eagles. Victor Osimhen who came on to score four minute to substitute Boniface is still the best Super Eagles striker.

5) Three-man center defense remain the best for Super Eagles. Like the world witnessed at the 2023 African Nations Cup, it's difficult to score against Nigeria with three-man central defense formation.