Victor Osimhen fired a sensational hat-trick as the Super Eagles of Nigeria cruised to a 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 in Uyo.
The important victory secured Nigeria’s spot in the CAF playoffs, keeping their World Cup aspirations alive.
Match Summary
After their travel delay caused by a cracked aircraft windscreen on their flight to Uyo, the Super Eagles bounced back in spectacular fashion. Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late strike powered Nigeria to a convincing 4–0 win, lifting them to second place in Group C.
However, South Africa’s 3–0 victory over Rwanda meant Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification and will now compete in the CAF playoff round.
How the Game Unfolded
Nigeria started the match at a blistering pace. It took just three minutes for Victor Osimhen to break the deadlock after connecting perfectly with Samuel Chukwueze’s clever pass.
The Super Eagles continued to press aggressively, forcing Benin into several defensive errors. In the 37th minute, Osimhen added his second goal of the game, doubling Nigeria’s advantage with a composed finish.
Benin rarely threatened in the first half as Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi kept things tight at the back. Wilfred Ndidi dictated the tempo from midfield, while Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon ensured a steady flow of attacking play. Nigeria went into the break two goals up and firmly in control.
Second Half
Eric Chelle introduced Olakunle Olusegun for Chukwueze after halftime, and the substitution added fresh pace to Nigeria’s attack. Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute with a composed finish, becoming the standout player of the night.
READ ALSO: Victor Osimhen Nears Nigeria’s All-Time Scoring Record After Hat-Trick Against Benin
Despite several close chances from Simon and Iwobi, it was Frank Onyeka who rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, converting from close range after a brilliant assist from Simon.
Nigeria Player Ratings
Stanley Nwabali – 6/10
Bright Fredrick – 7/10
Semi Ajayi – 7/10
Calvin Bassey – 8/10
Zaidu Sanusi – 5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Alex Iwobi – 7.5/10
Moses Simon – 8.5/10
Samuel Chukwueze – 8.8/10
Akor Adams – 7/10
Victor Osimhen – 9.5/10 (Man of the Match)
Substitutes: Olusegun – 7, Onyeka – 8, Moffi – 6.5, Arokodare – 6.5, Onyemaechi – 6.5
Match Stats
Possession: Nigeria 51% – Benin 49%
Total Shots: Nigeria 8 – Benin 5
Shots on Target: Nigeria 5 – Benin 2
Corners: Nigeria 4 – Benin 4
Fouls: Nigeria 1 – Benin 6
What Next
Nigeria finished second in Group C with 17 points, securing their place in the CAF playoffs. Under the management of Eric Chelle, the team ended the group stage unbeaten, achieving four wins and two draws in six matches.
The Super Eagles will now await the CAF playoff draw scheduled for November in Morocco.
