Nigeria reignited their World Cup qualification hopes in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, cruising to a 4–0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to seal their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
The Super Eagles were dominant from start to finish, led by a sensational performance from Victor Osimhen, who netted a superb hat-trick.
The Galatasaray forward produced a masterclass in attacking precision, scoring twice in the first half before completing his treble shortly after the restart.
Frank Onyeka later added a late fourth to complete a commanding win for Finidi George’s men, who finished second in Group C behind South Africa and kept alive their hopes of reaching the mundial through the playoff route.
The Super Eagles got off to the perfect start just three minutes into the encounter when Samuel Chukwueze slipped a clever through ball to Osimhen, who calmly placed his finish inside the right post. Benin’s Steve Mounie tried to respond but fired tamely at Stanley Nwabali, while the hosts continued to control proceedings with quick interplays and sharp pressing.
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute after another slick exchange with Chukwueze. The winger’s teasing cross from the right found the striker at the back post, and he made no mistake, heading home to send the crowd into raptures.
With Nigeria firmly in charge, the visitors found little joy breaking through the Super Eagles’ well-organized defense.
Six minutes into the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick with another towering header, this time meeting a Moses Simon free-kick that glanced in off the underside of the bar.
He nearly grabbed a fourth late on but was denied by a reflex save from goalkeeper Saturnin Dandjinou before being substituted to a standing ovation from the fans.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added the finishing touch in stoppage time, drilling a crisp effort into the bottom corner after being set up by Simon. The resounding victory not only restored belief among Nigerian fans but also confirmed that the Super Eagles remain a formidable force on the continent as they turn their focus to the crucial playoff round.
