A brace from Ballon d’Or Player of the Year nominee, Ademola Lookman, and strike by the African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, were all the Super Eagles needed to claim the top spot in Group D of the African Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier.
Lookman, Atalanta of Italy playmaker, struck shortly before half time to send the fans of Abuja who thronged the stadium into a frenzy.
Osimhen replaced Victor Boniface after half time to increase the tally in the 78th minute of the tie.
Lookman compounded the woes of the Beninoise with a header in the 83rd minute.
AC Milan midfielder, Samuel Chukwueze, made his mark with a swinging free kick, but the Beninoise goalkeeper averted the danger.
Galatasaray of Turkey forward Osimhen started from the bench while the interim gaffer of the senior national team, Austin Eguavoen, opted for Leverkusen of Germany forward Boniface to lead the team’s assault.
Stanley Nwabali was in goal as team captain, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Ola Aina provided him cover in the defence.
Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi were saddled with midfield roles.
Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Boniface combined in the attack.
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Nigeria will travel to face Rwanda, while Benin hosts Libya on Tuesday in the next round matches of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The former African champions lead the group with three points ahead of Libya and Rwanda, both on one point, while Benin Republic are rock bottom with no point.
