Former champions Nigeria and Cameroon overcame chaotic build-ups to secure victories in their opening matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Saturday. In Uyo, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, the only African nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, scored twice, while reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen added another goal to secure a 3-0 win over Benin.
Meanwhile, veteran Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer at the 2022 AFCON, netted in the second half to give Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Namibia in Garoua.
Mauritania also had a successful start to their campaign, edging Botswana 1-0 in Group C with a late goal from Sidi Amar in Nouakchott.
Nigeria’s preparation was marred by controversy when German coach Bruno Labbadia withdrew from the role after the national football federation refused to cover the taxes on his salary. As a result, Augustine Eguavoen was appointed as caretaker coach, tasked with lifting the team after their shocking 2026 World Cup qualifying loss to Benin.
Despite a tense start, Lookman opened the scoring in first-half added time. Osimhen, who recently joined Galatasaray on loan, came off the bench to score in the 78th minute, and Lookman added a third goal seven minutes later, securing Nigeria’s place at the top of Group D, two points ahead of Rwanda.
Cameroon’s preparations were equally tumultuous, with disputes over the match venue and team selection. Originally scheduled for Douala, the match was moved to Yaoundé by the sports ministry, then to Garoua by the national football federation, led by former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o. Prime Minister Joseph Ngute ultimately decided the match would be played in Garoua.
The tension continued as Eto’o threatened to field the under-20 team instead of the senior squad due to ongoing power struggles with the ministry. The senior players’ passports were only handed over on the morning of the match, allowing the federation to finalize the team sheet just in time. Despite the drama, Cameroon’s win put them at the top of Group J, two points ahead of Zimbabwe and Kenya, who drew 0-0 on Friday.