Nigeria, Cameroon and Mauritania claim opening wins

Saturday’s action in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers saw opening victories for heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon, while Mauritania narrowly got the better of Botswana.

Nigeria got off to a winning start and went to the top of Group D by defeating Benin 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Star attackers Ademola Lookman (two) and Victor Osimhen netted for the Super Eagles, who shrugged off a sluggish first half to ultimately claim an emphatic triumph.

In Group J, Cameroon are the new leaders after they defeated Namibia 1-0 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala – courtesy of a strike midway through the second half from veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar.

And in Group C, Mauritania struck late in the game at Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya in Nouakchott to defeat Botswana 1-0.

Sidi Bouna Amar netted with just six minutes of regulation time left to secure Al-Murabitun all three points.

The Afcon qualifiers continue on Sunday 8 September with just one match: Gambia v Tunisia in Group A, held in neutral Morocco.

AFCON QUALIFIERS RESULTS

Nigeria 3-0 Benin

Cameroon 1-0 Namibia

Mauritania 1-0 Botswana