Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Benin Republic 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

The encounter is beginning of the qualification stages for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco

Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock in the first half, while Osimhen extended the lead for the Super Eagles with a sumptuous goal

Lookman’s third goal in the 83rd minute sealed the victory for Nigeria.

Ugandan Olympian athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei has died four days after she was severely burned by her partner over an alleged land dispute.

The 33-year-old marathon runner was taken to the hospital in Kenya after she was doused in petrol by her boyfriend on Sunday, police said.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”

Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief, Donald Rukare added: “May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

Acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Dr Owen Menach, while speaking to Kenyan news outlet, The Star, said, “we lost her after all her organs failed” on Wednesday night.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during the disagreement.

Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and was admitted to the same hospital, police said.

Super Eagles interim manager, Austin Eguavoen says the Super Eagles have all it takes to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Morocco.

Nigeria is in Group D alongside Benin Republic, Rwanda and Libya.

Eguavoen who spoke with NFF TV ahead of Saturday’s 2025 AFCON qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo, said he was optimistic that the Super Eagles would scale through.

“Nigeria is a nation, in terms of football, alot of countries respect and the 2025 AFCON Qualifier is no different.

“I am very confident that we will scale through these two games and beyond.

“We have the materials, players, personnel and support. We have everything,” he said.

He said that there was a need to remind the players of their achievement at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire where they finished as runners-up in the tournament.

He also called on Nigerians to rally round the team to ensure it began its campaign on a bright note.

“The only thing we have to remind these players about is that they were almost African champions a few months ago; it’s not even up to a year yet.

“So, what went wrong? It is still the same players. We will do everything we have to do as the technical crew and of course, the federation.

“Nigerians will also rally round them, but they (the players) are the ones whose duty it is to turn the table around.

“I have spoken to them and we will still be having some series of meetings before the game proper and I am very confident that they will go out there and make the nation proud,” he said.

Eguavoen, however, cautioned that it was very important for the Super Eagles to respect every opponent in the qualifier as they were no minnows in football any more.

“We will treat our opponents with utmost respect, no doubt about that, because in football, if you disrespect or look down on any team, then you will have problems.

“So, we will play them with great respect, but this is our home and we have no choice but to ensure we begin our AFCON qualifying campaign with a victory on Saturday,” Eguavoen said.

After Saturday’s encounter, the Super Eagles are scheduled to fly to Kigali on Sunday for Tuesday’s Matchday 2 clash with the Amavubi of Rwanda.