WCQ: Super Eagles keep hope alive as Osimhen, Onyeka deliver 4-0 victory
Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit: X
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic 4-0 in the decisive 2026 World Cup qualification at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Striker Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and second-half goal from substitute Frank Onyeka were enough to give Nigeria three points against Benin in its quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the goals were not enough to give Nigeria the qualification ticket, as leaders, South Africa secured three points, beating Rwanda 3-0 to qualify for the World Cup tourney in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
There were four changes from our win over Lesotho. Ndidi leads the team tonight. Simon makes his 85th appearance. Osimhen partners Akor Adams up front,” the post read.
Victor Osimhen scored a brilliant hat-trick before Nigeria sensationally stole a World Cup qualification playoff spot with a 4-0 win over Benin.
Eric Chelle’s side produced their best display of a dispiriting CAF Group C campaign, with Osimhen darting through on goal to open the scoring in the third minute.
The Galatasaray striker produced a sumptuous header eight minutes before halftime, with Samuel Chukwueze again providing a superb assist.
Fulham winger Chukwueze was forced off at halftime, but Moses Simon turned provider for Osimhen to claim the matchball.
But with South Africa beating Rwanda 3-0 to take top spot and automatic qualification, Nigeria still needed one more goal to guarantee a place in the playoffs to determine CAF’s representative in the inter-confederation playoffs.
That arrived in sensational fashion in the 90th minute, as Simon dribbled his way to the byline and dispatched a chipped cross that substitute Frank Onyeka volleyed home emphatically.
Onyeka’s goal sparked wild celebrations because it gave Nigeria a better goal difference than Group A runners-up Burkina Faso, putting them third in the overall second-place rankings. Even if DR Congo beat Sudan later on Tuesday, Nigeria will progress to the four-team playoff next month to determine CAF’s entrant to the inter-confederation playoffs.
Benin started the day as Group C leaders, within touching distance of a maiden World Cup qualification. But they had the misfortune of running into a Nigeria side that turned up in the nick of time.
Nigeria have sealed their place in the playoffs. There are still hoops to jump through for Eric Chelle’s men, who must emerge from a four-team knockout tournament to claim CAF’s place in the inter-confederation playoffs next March. It’s fair to ask where on earth this performance has been in the rest of the campaign. Benin came into this match top of the table but their dream was torn to pieces. South Africa have secured top spot and are going to the World Cup.
