The Nigeria Super Eagles served Benin Republic a much better revenge with a 3-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Coach Augustine Eguavoen’s first game in charge as interim coach of the team.
Nigeria returned to duty in Uyo after a disappointing two games under former coach Finidi George who played a 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and lost 2-1 to Benin in the World Cup qualifying games in Uyo and Côte d’Ivoire respectively.
Eguavoen started a strong side against the Cheetahs of Benin after having his complete squad available for the game.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the man between the sticks as he continued his impressive form since making his debut in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey all started as the shield to Nwabali in defence.
Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi started in Midfield and was partnered with Onyemaechi and Alex Iwobi who played in front of them to charge the attack as a number 10.
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze started from the right wing as Ballon D’Or nominee, Ademola Lookman ran the left wing with Victor Boniface as the point man.
Lookman opened the scoring at the brink of halftime to gift Nigeria a taste of goals to come as they ended the first half strongly.
Victor Osimhen who just signed a one year loan deal with Galatasaray was brought on bely coach Augustine Eguavoen and his impact was immediately felt when he scored Nigeria’s second of the evening after being founded by Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi.
Lookman completed his brace late on in the 8th minute after being assisted by France-based Moses Simon.
Nigeria started their AFCON qualifying campaign with flying colours and will expect to replicate the form when they travel to Rwanda a few days from now.
