Nigeria 3-0 Benin
Nigeria made the perfect start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a 3-0 triumph over Benin on Saturday evening.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the last edition this year, named a strong eleven with Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali notably feature, while Victor Osimhen started on the benc.
Lookman was among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or this week and he showed his prowess in front of goal and bagged a brace with goals coming either side of the half.
New Galatasaray signing Osimhen added their third with a telling strike from Moses Simon's assist in the final stages and effectively put the counterparts to bed.
Cameroon 1-0 Namibia
Cameroon enjoyed a winning start in Group J qualifiers after seeing off a stubborn Namibia 1-0 at the Roumde Adija Stadium.
The winning effort came in the middle of the second half through Turkish-based Vincent Aboubakar – leaving the Brave Warriors empty handed.
Next up for the Indomitable Lions is a date away to Zimbabwe on Tuesday, with the Namibian outfit taking on Kenya on the same day.
Mauritania 1-0 Botswana
Botswana fell short in their qualifying opener in Group C and suffered a disappointing late 1-0 defeat to Mauritania out in Nouakchott.
The only strike of the clash came in the final few minutes before fulltime when Sidi Bouna Amar pounced to secure the maximum points on the day.
As things stand, the host moved to second in the group tied on points with Egypt who brushed aside Cape Verde 3-0 on Friday.