Nigeria started their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying campaign with an emphatic win over Benin, Cameroon defeated Namibia while Mauritania won at home against Botswana in Saturday’s matches.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen were the stars as Nigeria eased past Benin Republic with a 3-0 victory in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria dominated from the start, with Lookman opening the scoring in the first half before Osimhen’s brilliant goal extended the lead.
Lookman sealed the deal with a third goal, ensuring an emphatic win for the Super Eagles.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, showing composure and skill in front of goal.
The Benin defense struggled to contain Nigeria’s attacking prowess as Osimhen doubled the lead with a spectacular solo effort in the 55th minute.
His goal sent the crowd into a frenzy, a typical display of his lethal finishing ability.
As the match wore on, Benin’s Cheetahs could not find a response, and Lookman added his second goal of the evening in the 78th minute, cementing Nigeria’s commanding lead.
The Super Eagles remained in control throughout, maintaining their clean sheet and securing three crucial points.
Cameroon 1-0 Namibia
In another AFCON qualifier, Cameroon 1-0 Namibia, Vincent Aboubakar’s solitary goal ensured Cameroon’s victory in Garoua.
The Indomitable Lions were made to work hard for the win, with Namibia providing a stern test. Aboubakar struck in the 65th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Bryan Mbeumo’s shot was parried.
Despite further chances for both sides, the scoreline remained 1-0, giving Cameroon a solid start to their qualifying campaign.
Cameroon had several close calls early in the match, with Peter Shalulile testing Andre Onana in goal for the hosts.
Aboubakar had a golden opportunity to double the lead in the dying minutes but missed a one-on-one chance. Namibia pressed for an equalizer, with Deon Hotto missing a chance in stoppage time, but Cameroon held on.
Mauritania 1-0 Botswana
Meanwhile, in Nouakchott, Mauritania 1-0 Botswana, Mauritania earned a last-minute 1-0 victory over Botswana.
Sidi Amar’s 84th-minute strike handed the Mourabitounes a crucial win to begin their AFCON qualifying campaign.
The match was a cagey affair, with Mauritania dominating possession but struggling to break down a resolute Botswana defense.
Mauritania eventually found the breakthrough when Beyatt Lekoueiry set up Amar, who unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.
Botswana failed to respond, and Mauritania took all three points, boosting their chances in the early stages of qualifying.