Super Eagles return to winning ways, trash Benin 3-0 in Uyo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria finally returned to winning ways since finishing second at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early this year, thrashing the Cheetahs of Benin 3-0 in Uyo on Saturday.

Since losing 2-1 to host Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the AFCON, the team have secured three draws and a loss against Benin Republic as the team walk a tightrope in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With African Footballer of the Year Award winner, Victor Osimhen, on the bench, the Super Eagles started the game with all urgency while interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, continued to dish out instructions from the touchline, however, the Eagles failed to convert their chances to goals.

With the first half looking likely to end goalless, Balon d’Or nominee, Ademola Lookman, dribbled through the Cheetahs defence to give the Super Eagles the lead.

The goal was received with wild jubilation from the fans that have filled all the seats inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, as the team went into the break 1-0 ahead.

The second half started like the first but the Beniniose, led by former Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr, continue to hold on, frustrating the Eagles from the back leading to Eguavoen to rejig the team in the 63 minutes, introducing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Olisa Ndah and Moses Simon as replacement for Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze.

With the game still 1-0 as at 72 minutes, Eguavoen brought in on loan Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, who was welcomed to the pitch with wild cheers from the fans as replacement for Victor Boniface, and the new Galatasaray No. 45 did not disappoint, announcing himself with the second goal six minutes later as Nigeria continued to look for the kill after smelling blood.

It was game over three minutes later with Lookman getting his brace as the Super Eagles secured an emphatic 3-0 win.

The Eagles will be away to the Amavubi of Rwanda on Tuesday in the second game of the AFCON qualifiers with another win putting the team in a good stead for qualifications for Morocco 2025 tourney.