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The head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, stated that his team was unable to contain Ademola Lookman during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Saturday.
On matchday one, the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs, with the Atalanta winger netting two goals.
In the first-half stoppage time, Lookman scored Nigeria’s opening goal after dribbling past three Cheetahs defenders.
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The 26-year-old scored the Super Eagles’ third goal eight minutes before the end of the game.
“I am not surprised by the result as I know the talent and potential of this team,” Rohr said after the match.
“They played with confidence and flair, and Ademola Lookman was unstoppable.”
Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, expressed his happiness about Nigeria getting ‘revenge’ against Benin Republic. He shared his thoughts while looking back on Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Gernot Rohr’s team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday.
A goal from Osimhen and a brace from Ademola Lookman gave the Super Eagles the victory over Benin.
Before the game, Nigeria had lost 2-1 against Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifier back in June under former coach Finidi George.
“It was really a big game for us; it was a statement win because our performance has been so low in the past couple of games, compared to the talent that we have got in the team,” Osimhen told Counter Attack Podcast.
“The last time we met our opponent [Benin], they defeated us so it was also like revenge and I’m happy; we gave our all and got the three points.”
Troost-Ekong also declared that the team is heading in the right direction.
“Everybody knows we have good attacking talent, we don’t have to name them, but we played well, tried to keep the door shut at the back.
“We created chances to score, so I believe that if we gave the boys enough balls up front they would put it away,” the centre-back said during his interaction with the media after the game.
“Today is a good indication of the direction that we’re heading and the first step of many that we have to take to be back in action.”
The Al-Khaloood of Saudi Arabia defender also reflected on the win.
