Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational hat-trick on Tuesday night to keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes alive, while crushing Benin Republic’s dream of a historic qualification with a 4-0 defeat at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Benin entered the match as Group C leaders, needing only a draw to remain in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But their aspirations were shattered by Osimhen’s brilliance and Nigeria’s dominant display that turned the encounter into a one-sided affair.
The Napoli striker opened the scoring early and doubled the lead before halftime, leaving Benin’s defense in disarray. The Cheetahs fought to regain control after the break, but Osimhen struck again to seal his hat-trick and Nigeria’s emphatic win.
The result ended Benin’s remarkable qualifying run and pushed South Africa to the top of Group C with 18 points, confirming their return to the World Cup for the first time through competitive qualification since 2002. For Benin, it was a heartbreaking end to what had been a promising campaign and a reminder of their long struggle against Nigeria, having secured just one win in 25 encounters with their West African rivals.
Read also:
- Super Eagles thrash São Tomé 10-0 in Morocco
- Napoli to give all for season, Osimhen assures
- Napoli to lose €70m over delayed Osimhen, Kvara deals
Osimhen’s heroics not only silenced Benin’s ambitions but also reignited Nigeria’s World Cup pursuit. With the Super Eagles now battling for a playoff spot as one of the best second-placed teams, every goal counts and Osimhen delivered in spectacular fashion.
As the game drew to a close, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in stoppage time, giving Nigeria a crucial boost in goal difference and renewed hope ahead of the playoff qualifiers set to take place in Morocco this November.
For Benin, whose campaign had captured the imagination of fans across Africa, the loss marked a devastating end to their 2026 World Cup journey. For Nigeria, however, it was a statement of resurgence, a reminder that the Super Eagles remain a force to be reckoned with when their stars rise to the occasion.
SEO Keywords: Victor Osimhen hat-trick
Synonyms: Nigeria vs Benin 4-0, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Super Eagles, Benin Republic football, Osimhen goals, Nigeria World Cup hope, Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, Frank Onyeka goal, South Africa World Cup qualification, Group C standings, Benin Cheetahs.
