The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Benin, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the fight.
In June, during a World Cup qualifier, Nigeria lost 2-1 to Benin, but they reversed the trend in the reverse fixture played at the Champion Nest indavd jka Uyo.
Victor Osimhen’s Record-Breaking Goal
While Lookman had put the team ahead with a goal in the first half, the change of the tides began when Osimhen was introduced in the second half.
The 25-year-old striker replaced Victor Boniface, who had a below-par performance in the 63rd minute.
However, it only took Osimhen six minutes to make his mark, thrashing a shot into the back of the net off a low cross from Wilfred Ndidi.
This is what a Victor Osimhen gives your team 💚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/nQzEv7IoQK
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) September 7, 2024
This goal took his tally to 22 goals for Nigeria and placed him at the summit of the country’s all-time highest goals scorer, displacing Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
He now stands only one goal behind ‘Segun Odegbami of Nigeria, while Rashidi Yekini’s record remains a distant dream.
Prior to the game, Benin Republic manager Gernot Rorh acknowledged that Nigeria was not at their best when his team claimed a 2-1 victory in their last encounter.
NO AINA! NO OSIMHEN! Gernot Rohr makes audacious claim about Super Eagles squad
Key players like Victor Osimhen and Ola Aina were absent for the Eagles, which Osimhen has proven to be true with his classic strike.
Dominance in Attack
Lookman was also exceptional, scoring a brace to complete Nigeria’s victory. However, it was Osimhen’s record-breaking moment that stood out.
The 25-year-old proved himself as one of the finest strikers in Africa, especially after his impressive spell with Napoli, where he was Serie A’s top scorer.
Osimhen’s ability to deliver in critical moments highlights what Chelsea missed in their failed transfer.
Nigeria’s victory puts them top of Group D, surpassing Libya and Rwanda, who played a draw.
