The Super Eagles bounced back to top reckoning after some lacklustre results to beat Benin 3-0 in an opening 2025 AFCON qualifier.
SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the players.
8 Stanley Nwabali
This was another confident display by the goalkeeper with a handful of saves to earn another clean sheet with the Eagles.
8 Calvin Bassey
The Fulham defender did a solid shift for a clean sheet by the Super Eagles. No mistakes like that in the clash in Abidjan against same team in June.
7.5 Semi Ajayi
He was effective in the heart of a three-man defence that also had long-term partner William Ekong. He has continued to deliver in the green-white-green colours.
8 William Ekong
He was commanding as always, the leader who marshaled the troops to a heart-warming victory. This leadership was sorely missing in the previous games by this team.
8 Ola Aina
He dared as always. Enjoyed a competitive duel with the Benin fullback Kiki as he often surged forward to join the attack as a wing back.
8 Wilfred Ndidi
Gave everything as the main pivot that he was so spent in the closing minutes that he had to call to be replaced. He was involved in the second goal netted by Osimhen. A top-class display.
8 Bruno Onyemaechi
Was a surprise starter as a left wing back and he justified his inclusion with a whole-hearted performance that announced his return to top reckoning in the national team.
Super Eagles of Nigeria 3 VS 0 Benin – Goals, Highlights, Key moments – 2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) September 7, 2024
Nigeria start their #AFCON2025Q campaign with a 3-0 victory against Benin Republic
⚽️⚽️ Ademola Lookman
⚽️ Victor Osimhen
Nigeria now top group D with 3 points.#NGABEN
1/2 pic.twitter.com/j4Tad1i7CU
7.5 Alex Iwobi
As always he was full of running and helped in the quick transition between the midfield and attack as the attacking midfielder.
8.5 Samuel Chukwueze
This will go down as one of the better games by the AC Milan winger on the right flank. He has been firing in training and he showed this with a top-class performance when it mattered most. No wonder he was visibly disappointed when he was replaced late in the match.
9 Ademola Lookman
Man of the Match with two strikes to put away the Cheetahs of Benin. He made up for two misses early in the game to round up a great week during which he was nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
6.5 Victor Boniface
He was the top striker in this 3-4-3 formation and he struggled to make an impact. He would most probably have preferred playing behind the striker as he does at his Bundesliga club.
6 Olisa Ndah
The Orlando Pirates star came in for Calvin Bassey to help keep the shape and a clean sheet. He is part of the squad.
6 Raphael Onyedika
Another second-half sub who came on for burnt out Ndidi as the screen of the defence. He scored the goal against the same Benin in June.
6.5 Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
He showed glimpses of what he is capable when he was brought on in the second half. He is in the Super Eagles to stay.
8 Victor Osimhen
After a long-drawn transfer saga, the star striker showed superb character to put all that behind him and score on his return to the national team. He could even have scored a second when face-to-face with the Benin goalkeeper, but lacked the sharpness no thanks to lack of match fitness.
7.5 Moses Simon
The FC Nantes winger has always delivered for the country and he came off the bench to provide he lovely assist for the third goal scored by Ademola Lookman. His pace down the left flank was a major concern for the Cheetahs.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Benin (3-4-3)
Nwabali – Calvin Bassey (Olisa Ndah 63), Semi Ajayi, William Ekong (Captain) – Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi (Onyedika 77),Bruno Onyemaechi, Alex Iwobi(Dele-Bashiru 63) – Samuel Chukwueze (Moses Simon 63), Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface (Victor Osimhen 72)
