Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance, following their remarkable 4-0 win over the Benin Republic on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles kept their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a convincing display, thrashing the Cheetahs in their final group game of the qualifying series.
They went into the encounter needing to record a big win, which they delivered, sealing their spots in the playoffs as one of the top four runners-up.
Victor Osimhen, once again, showed his importance to the Nigerian team with an outstanding performance, bagging a hat-trick in the big win.
The Galatasaray forward broke the deadlock inside the first three minutes, receiving a pass from Samuel Chukwueze – who had come in for the suspended Ademola Lookman, and slotting into the net.
Osimhen soon got his brace, getting on the end of another Chukwueze’s delivery to double Nigeria’s lead.
READ ALSO:
- Benin Defender Tijani Mohamed: “I’ve Never Seen a Striker Like Victor Osimhen”
- Nigeria’s Top Performers in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Just as he started the first half, the 26-year-old scored another early goal, his third of the game, heading in from a Moses Simon free-kick.
Frank Onyeka piled further misery on the visitors, scoring a fourth in stoppage time, keeping alive the Super Eagles hopes.
However, South Africa’s 3-0 win over Rwanda meant that they finished top of the group and qualified automatically for the World Cup. In contrast, Nigeria finished as one of the best runners-up and will head into the CAF playoffs.
The draws for the playoffs will be determined by the FIFA World Rankings to be published on October 23rd, with Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo vying for one single spot.
The winner then goes on to face a country from either Asia, Oceania or South America in a single-legged intercontinental playoffs, to determine who picks the ticket for next year’s tournament.
Chelle hails Nigeria’s strength.
Speaking after the game, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle commended his players for turning up when they needed to do so.
“I am surprised by my players. They deserved this game because it was not easy”, Chelle revealed.
“So, now we are going to Morocco, it is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.
“They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here.
“I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory which serves to help push us to the next level”, the Super Eagles boss added.
“The players played a very good game, especially the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen.”
