Nigeria vs Benin: Victor Osimhen's Super Eagles impact - A brief but brilliant cameo against the Cheetahs

Victor Osimhen (Photo Credit: Osimhen/IG)

Nigeria vs Benin: Victor Osimhen's Super Eagles impact - A brief but brilliant cameo against the Cheetahs

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 04:11 - 08.09.2024

Victor Osimhen was one of the heroes as Nigeria's Super Eagles kicked off AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a big win against the Benin Republic.

Despite a late arrival to the Super Eagles camp due to transfer complications in the summer, Victor Osimhen proved his worth in Nigeria's AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic.

The African Player of the Year made a significant impact in just 18 minutes of play, demonstrating why he's considered one of Africa's top talents as the Super Eagles thrashed the Cheetahs 3-0 in Uyo on Saturday evening.

Key Statistics

  • Minutes played: 18
  • Goals: 1
  • Shots: 1 (100% conversion rate)
  • Passes: 1 (100% completion)
  • Touches: 4 (3 in opposition half)

Osimhen vs Benin: Performance Analysis

While Ballon d’Or nominee, Ademola Lookman, was the obvious man of the match after his brace against Gernot Rohr’s men, Osimhen's efficiency was the standout feature of his brief appearance.

Entering the match in the 72nd minute with Nigeria leading 1-0, thanks to Lookman, the Galatasaray striker wasted no time making his presence felt.

Victor Osimhen celebrates his important goal for Nigeria against Benin. (Photo Credit: Osimhen/IG)
Victor Osimhen celebrates his important goal for Nigeria against Benin. (Photo Credit: Osimhen/IG)

Just six minutes after coming on for Victor Boniface, he capitalised on a cross from Wilfred Ndidi, scoring with his only shot of the game to double Nigeria's lead.

That goal was much-needed to ease the pressure on interim boss Augustine Eguaveon and also saw the Napoli icon into top three scorers in Nigeria’s history.

Osimhen has now scored 22 goals in just 35 appearances for Nigeria. (Photo Credit: Osimhen/IG)
Osimhen has now scored 22 goals in just 35 appearances for Nigeria. (Photo Credit: Osimhen/IG)

It showcased his clinical finishing but also his ability to make an immediate impact off the bench. The celebration that followed highlighted the significance of the moment for both Osimhen and the team.

While his involvement in build-up play was limited, as evidenced by his single (1) completed pass and four (4) total touches, Osimhen's positioning and movement were crucial.

Victor Osimhen completed just one pass against Benin.

Three (3) of his four (4) touches came in the opposition half, underlining his attacking intent and ability to find dangerous spaces.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen's cameo against Benin was a reminder to his critics and fans of his quality and importance to the Super Eagles.

Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen moments after he arrived in Uyo before the game.

Despite limited time on the pitch, he made a decisive contribution that helped secure a comfortable victory, the first for Nigeria in three matches.

This performance, characterised by ruthless efficiency, bodes well for Nigeria's AFCON 2025 campaign and reaffirms Osimhen's status as a key and standout player for the national team.