Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a stunning 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday night at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, sealing a place in the playoff stage of the African qualifiers.
The Super Eagles delivered one of their most dominant performances of the campaign, powered by a sensational hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen, while Frank Onyeka added the icing with a late fourth goal.
Nigeria made their intentions clear from the start, taking the lead just three minutes in when Osimhen fired home from a clever Samuel Chukwueze pass. The Napoli forward doubled the advantage midway through the first half, rising highest to nod in another inch-perfect Chukwueze cross.
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Despite Benin’s attempts to respond, the visitors struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and pressing. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was alert when called upon, while defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel marshaled the backline impressively to maintain a clean sheet.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, coolly slotting home after breaking through the Benin defense — his composed finish effectively ending the contest. The forward’s performance further cemented his status as one of Africa’s elite goal scorers.
Substitutes Olakunle Olusegun and Terem Moffi injected fresh energy as Nigeria pressed for more goals, and their persistence paid off when Frank Onyeka scored in the 90th minute, tapping in from Moses Simon’s dazzling run and cross.
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Benin, who entered the match with an outside chance of finishing second in Group C, were outclassed on the night and failed to capitalize on their limited opportunities.
The result sees Nigeria finish second in Group C, advancing to the CAF playoff stage as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
