Boluwatife Kehinde
Victor Osimhen delivered a phenomenal performance with a clinical hat-trick to power Nigeria to a dominant 4-0 win over Benin Republic in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
The Galatasaray striker was unstoppable on the night, reminding the world of his quality—even as Nigeria’s qualification fate remains uncertain.
The Super Eagles knew they needed not just a win, but a bit of luck elsewhere. Unfortunately, South Africa’s 3-0 victory over Rwanda ensured they topped the group and claimed the automatic ticket to the World Cup. However, Nigeria’s emphatic result now places them third in the playoff ranking for the best second-placed teams across the African groups—keeping their hopes alive, at least mathematically.
Osimhen wasted no time setting the tone. In just the third minute, he latched onto a low cross from Samuel Chukwueze and slotted home with ease. Nigeria dominated possession early on, but Benin nearly hit back in the 12th minute before a decisive block from Calvin Bassey kept the Cheetahs at bay.
Osimhen doubled the lead in the 38th minute, again assisted by Chukwueze, showing excellent movement and a cool finish. His third came shortly after the restart—clinching his hat-trick in the 51st minute with a composed strike to put the game out of reach.
Wilfred Ndidi, who captained the side, nearly added a fourth in the 68th minute but blazed over from close range. The final goal came in the 90th minute through substitute Frank Onyeka, whose powerful shot sealed a perfect night for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles’ starting XI featured Stanley Nwabali in goal, with a defensive line led by Zaidu Sanusi and Semi Ajayi. Moses Simon made his 85th appearance, while Osimhen and Akor Adams spearheaded the attack.
While Nigeria may have fallen short of topping the group, this convincing performance, led by a red-hot Osimhen, gives them a glimmer of hope through the playoff route. The journey to North America 2026 isn’t over yet.
