As Nigeria’s Super Eagles gear up to face the Benin Republic and Rwanda in the decisive stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, their formidable attacking trio—Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface—are set to lead the charge. Interim coach Austin Eguavoen is banking on the dynamic frontmen, whose prolific form for their European clubs this season has marked them as some of Africa’s most lethal scorers.

These three Nigerian stars have dominated scoreboards, contributing a combined 34 goals and assists in the 2024/25 season so far, each tallying eight goals apiece. This impressive synergy will be put to the test on Thursday against the Benin Cheetahs at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan and again on Monday when they take on Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Lookman, riding a career-high, has not only bagged goals but also secured his position as a contender to dethrone his compatriot, Osimhen, as the CAF Best Player of the Year. Following a remarkable 2023/24 season, Lookman is pushing even further, netting eight goals with an additional five assists this campaign.

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Osimhen’s performance, despite an uncertain start at Napoli, has been nothing short of stellar. Now on loan with Galatasaray, he has quickly established himself as a fan favorite, notching eight goals and four assists in nine appearances. This level of play reinforces the €130 million valuation Napoli placed on the 25-year-old striker, solidifying his reputation among Europe’s elite.

Adding depth to this powerhouse lineup is Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who has already topped his club’s scoring chart with eight goals this season. His current nine goal contributions in 15 games bolster Nigeria’s offensive might, positioning the Eagles as one of the continent’s most daunting teams.

This offensive force has raised concerns for Benin Republic’s coach Gernot Rohr, a former Eagles manager, who recognizes the threat these Nigerian players bring. “For me, Lookman is the best player in Africa to win the Golden Award,” Rohr remarked. “But I hope he will not score against us like he did in the last game in Uyo.”

The last encounter between Nigeria and Benin Republic saw both Lookman and Osimhen find the net in a dominant 3-0 win for Nigeria. Thursday’s matchup will also give Boniface a chance to end his international goal drought and strengthen Nigeria’s lead in Group D. Currently topping the group with 10 points, a victory over Benin would secure the Super Eagles’ place in the upcoming AFCON finals in Morocco, rendering the result of their game against Rwanda inconsequential.