The Super Eagles of Nigeria sealed their spot in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a resounding 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.
Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, delivering a scintillating hat-trick, while substitute Frank Onyeka added a late strike to round off a dominant performance that reignited belief in the Nigerian side.
From the first whistle, the Super Eagles played with intensity and intent, pressing high and moving the ball with precision. Their aggressive start paid off almost immediately when Osimhen opened the scoring in just the third minute.
Samuel Chukwueze, lively on the right flank, slipped a clever pass into the path of the Galatasaray striker, who calmly slotted home to ignite early celebrations in Uyo.
Chukwueze and Osimhen’s chemistry proved decisive again in the 37th minute. Finding space down the right, Chukwueze floated in a teasing cross that Osimhen met with a towering header to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The goal sent fans into wild cheers and underscored the team’s growing confidence heading into halftime.
Benin tried to regroup after the break, but Nigeria’s relentless attack refused to let up. Six minutes into the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick in classic fashion, rising highest to meet a well-placed Moses Simon free-kick with a looping header into the top corner. It was a masterclass in finishing from one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.
With the result beyond doubt, Coach Eric Chelle introduced fresh legs, bringing on Olakunle Olusegun, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka to maintain the team’s rhythm.
The substitutions paid off in stoppage time when Onyeka latched onto a smart pass from Simon and blasted home a stunning fourth goal to cap off a near-perfect evening for the hosts.
Benin struggled to cope with Nigeria’s tempo and picked up several yellow cards as frustration set in. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles remained composed, with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey marshaling the defence effectively.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali enjoyed a quiet night, calmly organising his backline whenever called upon.
The emphatic win confirmed Nigeria’s progression as one of the best four second-placed teams in the qualifiers, finishing with 15 points and a +7 goal difference.
Eritrea’s withdrawal from the competition meant results against sixth-placed teams were discounted, a twist that worked in Nigeria’s favour, given they only secured two points against Zimbabwe.
More importantly, the victory marked Nigeria’s first four-goal haul in a single match since September 2023, reigniting confidence ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
As the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted in celebration, chanting Osimhen’s name — the striker’s 29th international goal moving him within eight of the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record.
For Coach Chelle, it was a night of vindication. His tactical tweaks, attacking selections, and smart substitutions came together seamlessly, delivering a statement win that showcased the Super Eagles’ firepower and potential on the road to 2026.