Nigeria stole the spotlight in Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin, while Cameroon and Mauritania also secured crucial wins to kick off their campaigns.
At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria climbed to the top of Group D with an impressive performance. Despite a slow start, the Super Eagles surged in the second half, with Ademola Lookman scoring twice and Victor Osimhen adding another goal to seal the victory.
In Group J, Cameroon edged Namibia 1-0 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala. The Indomitable Lions relied on a second-half strike from veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar to claim all three points and take the lead in the group.
Meanwhile, Mauritania clinched a late 1-0 win over Botswana in Group C. Sidi Bouna Amar scored in the 84th minute at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya in Nouakchott, securing an important three points for Al-Murabitun in their opening fixture.
The AFCON qualifiers continue on Sunday, September 8, with Gambia facing Tunisia in a Group A clash hosted in neutral Morocco.
AFCON Qualifiers Results – Saturday, September 7
- Nigeria 3-0 Benin
- Cameroon 1-0 Namibia
- Mauritania 1-0 Botswana
