The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered an emphatic performance in Uyo on Tuesday night, defeating Benin Republic 4–0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The star of the night was none other than Victor Osimhen, who produced a stunning hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive. His clinical finishing, relentless energy, and leadership on the field underlined why he remains one of Africa’s most formidable footballers.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria showed intent and determination. In just the third minute, Osimhen opened the scoring after connecting brilliantly with a pass from Samuel Chukwueze, calmly slotting the ball past the Beninese goalkeeper. The early goal set the tone for the evening, igniting the crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Super Eagles maintained their attacking momentum, and in the 37th minute, Chukwueze once again combined with Osimhen, who doubled Nigeria’s lead with a powerful header.
As the second half resumed, Nigeria remained in full control of the game. Osimhen completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart, nodding in a beautifully floated cross from Moses Simon to make it 3–0. His display of clinical precision and composure reaffirmed his reputation as one of the top strikers in world football. In the dying moments of the match, Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Super Eagles and sending the fans into celebration.
Despite the dominant performance, Nigeria fell just short of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. South Africa, who defeated Rwanda 3–0 in their final group game, topped the group with 18 points. Nigeria and Benin both finished with 17 points, but the Super Eagles edged their West African neighbours on goal difference. This means Nigeria will now advance to the CAF play-offs, where they will battle for a final place at the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Osimhen’s heroics against Benin were widely celebrated across the country. Social media platforms were flooded with praise, with fans and pundits describing him as the “saviour” of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also commended his performance, referring to it as a “heroic hat-trick” that showcased leadership and determination. Nigerian coach Finidi George expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting that the win restored confidence and belief among supporters after previous draws in the qualifiers.
The victory over Benin also served as a morale boost for the Super Eagles, who have faced criticism in recent months over inconsistent performances. Osimhen’s leadership on the pitch and his ability to inspire teammates highlighted the depth of talent Nigeria possesses when fully focused. As the team prepares for the play-offs, there is renewed optimism that Nigeria will ultimately secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For now, the night belongs to Victor Osimhen. His hat-trick not only lit up Uyo but also reignited hope across the nation. In a campaign filled with challenges, his performance stands as a reminder of what Nigeria is capable of when its stars rise to the occasion. The Super Eagles may still have one final hurdle to cross, but with Osimhen leading the line, their World Cup dream remains very much alive.
