Nigerians have taken to social media to praise Ballon d’or nominee Ademola Lookman over his brace against the Republic of Benin at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Nigeria began the road to qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin on Saturday.
The Super Eagles shook off their World Cup qualification woes to bring joy to their supporters thanks to two goals from Lookman and a volley from substitute Victor Osimhen.
Lookman’s solo run and strike just before halftime put the Eagles ahead.
The Atalanta forward was lively throughout the match putting in a performance to mark the week in which he made the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’or awards.
His second goal of the day came in the 84th minute after his head connected well to a Moses Simon cross.
The win is a plus for coach Austin Eguavoen who only took charge of the Super Eagles on interim basis after the Nigeria Football Federation’s negotiation with German coach Bruno Labbadia was stalled.
Following Lookman’s man of the match performance, Nigerians on social media believe he will be crowned 2024 Africa’s best player after Osimhen won the award last year. See below:.
