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Super Eagles players were impressive in their opening AFCON 2025 qualifiers as they avenged the World Cup qualifiers' defeat over Benin Republic.
Nigeria headed into the game looking for their first win after failing to win in their last three games.
The Super Eagles defeated the Benin Republic 3-0, thanks to two goals from Ballon d'Or nominee Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen’s volley.
Following their performance, we take a look at how each Super Eagles player performed in the win against Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic.
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18:49 - 07.09.2024
Nigeria 3-0 Benin: Lookman and Osimhen power Super Eagles to emphatic AFCON 2025 win
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen fired Nigeria's Super Eagles to a comprehensive win against the Benin Republic in the AFCON 2025 qualifier.
![[Watch]: Ademola Lookman scores fantastic solo goal against Benin](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07092024/5491c39a-754c-48d5-b7a6-d03e3a8c9e23.png?operations=fit(:350))
18:14 - 07.09.2024
[Watch]: Ademola Lookman scores fantastic solo goal against Benin
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman marked his new feat with a lovely solo goal to put Nigeria ahead against Benin.
Super Eagles player rating
Stanley Nwabili - 7
Stanley Nwabili was composed all through the game and did his part when called upon to make some important saves.
Ola Aina - 7
Ola Aina was a terror in the wingback position against the Benin Republic, making sure that there was enough threat from that wing.
Troost Ekong - 7
Troost Ekong returned to the lineup like he never left and formed a decent partnership with Semi Ajayi and Cavin Bassey.
He showed why he deserved the 2023 AFCON Best Player of the Tournament award with an impressive display.
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Semi Ajayi - 7
Semi Ajayi stood strong against the Benin Republic attacker and made sure nothing got past him.
Cavin Bassey - 6
Bassey looked solid and had a great defensive performance against the Benin Republic but later received a yellow card for a handball.
Bruno Onyemaechi - 7
Bruno Onyemaechi was a terrifying force playing as a wingback, ensuring that the Benin Republic posed a sufficient danger.
Wilfred Ndidi - 7
Wilfred Ndidi made the Super Eagles game easy as he made sure he did his job by depriving Benin Republic of any movement in the midfield.
The defensive midfielder also provided the assist for the Super Eagles second goal of the game, which was scored by Victor Osimhen.
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Alex Iwobi - 7
Alex Iwobi did an excellent job in midfield, as he made sure he controlled the game and connected with the Super Eagles' attack.
Samuel Chukwueze - 7
Samuel Chukwueze did his best playing from the right wing, making sure he was a threat to the Benin Republic's defence.
Victor Boniface - 6
Victor Boniface led the attack for the Super Eagles but did little in the game as he failed to impose himself.
The Bayer Leverkusen star missed a big chance in the game but managed to test the Benin Republic goalkeeper.
Ademola Lookman - 9
Ademola Lookman was the best player on the pitch and showed why he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or award.
The Atalanta winger scored two goals to help the Super Eagles avenge the World Cup qualifier defeat in June over the Benin Republic.
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Substitute
Victor Osimhen - 8
Victor Osimhen came in as a substitute for Victor Boniface and made an instant impact on the team despite not playing for more than three months.
The 2023 African Best Player scored the Super Eagles' second goal of the game with a sublime volley past the goalkeeper.
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Moses Simon - 7
Moses Simon also came on as a substitute for Samuel Chukwueze and created the third goal for Ballon d’Or nominee Lookman.
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