Nigeria’s Super Eagles reignited their World Cup hopes on Tuesday evening after a resounding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic, led by a spectacular hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Heading into the final Group C clash in third place, the Eagles needed an outright win to stay in contention for a 2026 World Cup spot, while the Beninoise Squirrels only required a draw to advance.
Determined to turn the tide, Head Coach Eric Chelle fielded a strong starting lineup featuring Nwabali, Fredrick, Sanusi, Ndidi, Ajayi, Osimhen, Chukwueze, Adams, Simon, Iwobi, and Bassey, urging his side to go to “war.”
The hosts took early control when Osimhen raced past his markers to convert a Chukwueze pass, giving Nigeria the lead. The combination proved lethal again as Osimhen struck a second in the 37th minute, once more assisted by Chukwueze.
Barely six minutes into the second half, the Galatasaray forward completed his hat-trick, putting the game beyond Benin’s reach. Substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time goal in the 90th minute.
The result lifted Nigeria to second place in Group C with 17 points, tied with Benin but ahead on goal difference—keeping the nation’s qualification hopes alive as one of the potential best second-placed teams.
Meanwhile, South Africa secured automatic qualification after defeating Rwanda 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadium to top the group with 19 points.
The emphatic victory in Uyo not only reaffirmed Osimhen’s importance to the squad but also rekindled national optimism ahead of the final phase of the qualification process.
