- Safiu Kehinde
Super Eagles of Nigeria has began the quest for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) ticket on a higher note as they cruised past Benin Republic in 3-0 victory.
Few months after suffering defeat to Benin at the World Cup Qualifiers, Nigeria hosted the West African nation again for AFCON Qualifiers opener at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo- the capital city of Akwa-Ibom state.
Super Eagles were pitched to revenge the World Cup Qualifiers shocking defeat which led to the dismissal of Finidi George as the national team head coach after just two games.
Benin held Nigeria almost all through the first half as the West African neighbor led by former Nigeria’s coach, Gernot Rohr, looked for a replica of their previous victory over the Super Eagles.
However, the Super Eagles broke the deadlock before halftime whistle courtesy injury time goal by Ballon D’ Or nominee, Ademola Lookman.
Few minutes after coming on to replace Victor Boniface, second half substitute, Victor Osimhen doubled Super Eagles’s lead in the 78th minute.
Lookman would seal the win for Nigeria as he scored a brace in the 83rd minute, giving new Super Eagles gaffer, Augustine Eguavoen, his first win of his return to the national team.