Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Sends Super Eagles Into World Cup Play-Offs

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their place in the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 4–0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.

Victor Osimhen was the standout performer of the night, netting a remarkable hat-trick, while substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal to seal Nigeria’s qualification to the next stage of the qualifiers.

From the onset, the Super Eagles played with energy and purpose, dominating possession and pressing their opponents high up the pitch. Their early aggression paid off in just the third minute, when Samuel Chukwueze set up Osimhen for the opener — a calm, low finish past the Beninese goalkeeper that ignited celebrations among the home fans.

Chukwueze remained a constant threat on the right wing and once again combined with Osimhen in the 37th minute to double Nigeria’s lead. His precise cross found the striker, who powered a header into the net, giving Nigeria a comfortable advantage heading into halftime.

Barely six minutes after the restart, Osimhen completed his hat-trick in style, meeting Moses Simon’s well-placed free kick with a looping header that found the top corner. The goal — his third of the match — showcased his clinical instinct and aerial dominance, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s top forwards.

As frustration grew for Benin, their rough tackles earned them several yellow cards, but Nigeria stayed composed and in control. The defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi stood firm, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali handled the few threats that came his way with composure.

Coach Eric Chelle’s substitutions in the second half — bringing in Olakunle Olusegun, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka — helped maintain the team’s tempo. The changes paid off deep into stoppage time when Onyeka latched onto a pass from Simon and fired a stunning strike into the top corner to complete the 4–0 rout.

The result confirmed Nigeria as one of the best four second-placed teams advancing to the play-offs with 15 points and a +7 goal difference. Due to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, results against sixth-placed teams were discounted, but the Super Eagles’ emphatic performance ensured they finished comfortably in contention.

This was the first time Nigeria scored four or more goals in a match since September 2023, a performance that reignited fans’ belief in the team’s quality and potential ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

As the final whistle sounded, chants of “Osimhen!” filled the stadium — the striker’s three goals taking his national tally to 29, just eight shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record.

For Coach Chelle, the victory marked a significant milestone — a tactical masterclass that showcased Nigeria’s attacking depth and reaffirmed their place among Africa’s elite football nations.