The Super Eagles of Nigeria embarked on its 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations AFCON, qualifier with a victory against Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Saturday; npflupdates.com reports.
   The Super Eagles who lost to Benin Republic during the 2026 FIFA world cup qualifier in June, defeated it’s neighbours earlier today.
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A brace from 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, and another from Osimhen ensured a 3-0 comfortable victory for the three-time African champions.
Super Eagles beat Cheetahs of Benin Republic to climb top of Group table
Four important things fans should take note of are the following:
(1) The Tactics of coach Augustine Egueavoen:
Caretaker manager Mr Egueavoen, has received a lot of plaudits from fans. Fans who saw the game appreciated the tactics of the NFF’s Technical Director; especially in the areas of his line-up and use of substitutes. It was indeed a brilliant set-up by the former Super Eagles defender.
(2) The brilliance of Lookman, Nwabali and spontaneous contribution of Osimhen:
2024 Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman stood and was counted. The former Leicester City winger was a thorn in the flesh of the cheetahs defenders. Was quick with the ball, endowed with composure, hence his fantastic brace.
Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali kept his first clean-sheet in the colours of Nigeria since June this year. The Chippa United man, made a couple of saves to keep the Super Eagles in the game. It was indeed an outstanding performance by the former Enyimba FC shot-stopper.
Man of the moment and SK Galatasary forward Victor Osimhen had a spontaneous impact. Scoring Nigeria’s second about six minutes after replacing Victor Boniface. It was his first goal for the Super Eagles since after the 2023 AFCON.
Before the match today, a report by Owngoal has it that, former footballer Emeka Ezeugo had asked for Osimhen’s exclusion from the national team; pending a public apology to former manager Finidi George.
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(3) The Super Eagles are now top of their Group:
With its victory against Benin Republic today, Nigeria has climbed to the top of the AFCON qualifier table following a stalemate between Libya and Rwanda.
The three-time African champions will travel to Kigali in the coming days; and will hope to maintain its excellent result on Tuesday.
