Nigerias recent performance in the AFCON qualifiers against Benin showcased a strong start but also highlighted areas for improvement This analysis delves into the teams strengths weaknesses and potential areas of growth emphasizing the significance of these matches in shaping Nigerias future in international football The structure of the discussion will cover key moments from the games player performances tactical strategies and implications for the teams overall success in the tournament.
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen stole the headlines for Nigeria in their win against Benin on the weekend, but more will be required defensively to make it through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers successfully.
Just days after being named as one of the nominees for the Ballon d'Or, and the only African on the men's shortlist, Lookman inspired Nigeria to a 3-0 win in their opening game of the qualifying series.
The Atalanta forward helped himself to a brace, including a fine solo effort, while the returning Osimhen celebrated his loan move to Galatasaray, after an offseason of protracted uncertainty, by claiming the other goal.
While stand-in Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen played down any thoughts of revenge in the build up to the game, the result did go some way towards assuaging feelings of hurt inflicted by the Cheetahs when they handed defeat to the Super Eagles during the World Cup qualifiers in June.
Here are a few observations from the game, as the Super Eagles prepare for their next fixture against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Lookman is the team's talisman now
Lookman's first goal was a mesmerizing work of art. His second was a thing of pure beauty. But what really caught the eye was his overall display of cutting edge attacking play. The Atalanta man was both the fulcrum and pointed end of Nigeria's most dangerous forays.
Showing quick feet and even quicker thinking, the forward gave the Cheetahs defence different looks each time, whether it was driving vertically, or sliding in laterally with close control and slippery dribbles.
Overall, the team looked closer in solidity, if slightly better in fluidity, to the one which thrilled the country at AFCON not so many months ago.
There is a reason Lookman is the only African nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and this display against Benin not only justifies his selection, in addition to his quality performances last season for his club and for Nigeria, but cements his claim to replace Osimhen as African Player of the year.
If that happens, it would mark the first time since the 90s that Nigeria would win back to back awards.
Fans were displeased... but have come back onside
Four games without a win in World Cup qualifying had left fans displeased with the Super Eagles, and they showed it with their feet and their pockets.
During the week that the team were preparing for Benin, there was not the usual invasion of their sessions by fans hoping to catch a glimpse of training, get some autographs or even ask for shirts and handouts.
With minutes to kickoff, the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo looked all but deserted, with only a sprinkling of fans in the stands.
It took organisers realising the import of empty stadium and making a decision to throw the gates open before fans trooped in, and well before the halfway point of the first half, the house was rocking.
Coming off the high of the team's Final appearance at AFCON, there was a spike in interest and support, but that was quickly dampened by the mediocre World Cup qualifying displays.
By the end of this game, the fever was back, a sign that this rollercoaster relationship between team and fans is going nowhere.
Captain Troost-Ekong acknowledged the dampener but wants the fans to believe in the team: "We had some doubts from your side, as always, but we ask everyone to keep supporting the team.
"We have shown that with your support we can do well."
Topics: AFCON, Ademola Lookman, Africa Cup of Nations,