By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen returned to his prolific best on Tuesday night, firing a sensational hat-trick to inspire the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a dominant 4 – 0 victory over Benin Republic in their final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification were dashed as South Africa’s 3 – 0 victory over Rwanda in Mbombela sealed the Bafana Bafana’s passage to the World Cup. The Super Eagles will now face a tense playoff route to keep their qualification dream alive.
Osimhen, who last netted a hat-trick for Nigeria in September 2023 against São Tomé and Príncipe, wasted no time asserting his dominance. Barely three minutes into the game, he latched onto a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze and smashed home from close range to give Nigeria the lead.
Benin initially showed attacking intent but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Their resistance crumbled again in the 37th minute when the Osimhen – Chukwueze combination proved decisive once more. Under pressure near the corner flag, Chukwueze lofted a precise cross into the box, and Osimhen rose above his marker to head home his second goal, doubling Nigeria’s advantage before the interval.
The Cheetahs started the second half brightly, testing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali through Andreas Hountondji, but Nigeria quickly regained control. In the 51st minute, Moses Simon delivered a teasing cross from the left, and Osimhen acrobatically redirected a header off the post and into the net to complete his hat-trick – his first for the Super Eagles in two years.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr introduced Junior Olaitan shortly after in a bid to spark his attack, but the Nigerian backline held firm. With fatigue setting in, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle refreshed his side, bringing on Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, and Terem Moffi.
In stoppage time, Onyeka turned scorer, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner after another clever assist from Moses Simon to seal a resounding 4 – 0 win.
The result lifted spirits among home supporters in Uyo but ultimately fell short of the desired outcome, as South Africa’s result rendered Nigeria’s efforts academic in the group standings.
The Super Eagles will now shift focus to the FIFA World Cup playoffs scheduled for November, joining Cameroon, Gabon, and Burkina Faso – although DR Congo could still replace the Burkinabe if they win their outstanding game against Sudan.
For Osimhen and the Super Eagles, the emphatic win was a statement of intent – and a reminder that while the road to 2026 World Cup qualification has become more challenging, Nigeria’s fighting spirit remains unbroken.
