UYO, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigeria’s World Cup dreams were kept flickering on Tuesday night as striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar hat-trick performance, leading the Super Eagles to a resounding 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, south of Nigeria.
Osimhen struck in the third, 38th, and 51st minutes, converting two well-placed crosses from Samuel Chukwueze and finishing off a clinical solo effort to complete his treble. A late goal from substitute Frank Onyeka in the 90th minute sealed the dominant win for Nigeria, whose performance electrified the home crowd despite the looming reality that the result wasn’t enough to secure automatic qualification.
The Super Eagles needed a favorable result elsewhere to advance. Still, Group B leaders South Africa booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a 3-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day. That result ultimately overshadowed Nigeria’s commanding display in Uyo.
Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, made four changes to the lineup that previously defeated Lesotho. Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, while Osimhen partnered Akor Adams up front. Moses Simon marked his 85th international appearance in the starting XI, which also featured Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Alex Iwobi.
The match began with a burst of energy, and it took just three minutes for Nigeria to find the net. Osimhen capitalized on an early cross from Chukwueze, coolly slotting past the Beninoise goalkeeper. Benin responded with a brief spell of pressure, nearly equalizing in the 12th minute before Calvin Bassey’s timely intervention shut down the threat.
With Nigeria dominating possession at 58%, Osimhen came close again in the 22nd minute but was denied by resolute defending. He doubled the lead in the 38th minute, once more connecting with Chukwueze to give the Super Eagles a 2-0 cushion heading into halftime.
Benin began the second half with renewed urgency, but it was Nigeria who struck again. Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, reaffirming his status as the team’s attacking talisman. Despite a wasted opportunity from Ndidi in the 68th minute, Nigeria continued pressing forward.
Frank Onyeka, introduced in the second half, capped off the rout with a precise finish in the final minute of regulation, firing into the bottom corner to make it 4-0.
Though the Super Eagles’ qualification path now depends on future permutations and playoff scenarios, the emphatic performance offers a measure of hope and a reminder of the firepower Osimhen brings to the national team.
The win marks a strong finish to this round of qualifying for Nigeria, who must now await further results and possible continental play-off outcomes to determine their World Cup fate.
