UPDATED: Osimhen’s hat-trick keeps Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive

Osimhen’s clinical finishing lit up the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick as Nigeria thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo on Tuesday, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive through the playoffs.

Despite the emphatic win, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on automatic qualification as South Africa sealed top spot in Group C with a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Johannesburg.

Osimhen’s clinical finishing lit up the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, reaffirming his status as Africa’s most lethal striker. The Galatasaray forward struck twice in the first half and completed his treble shortly after the restart, while substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth in stoppage time to round off a dominant performance.

Nigeria entered the game needing victory and a favourable result elsewhere. While they delivered in Uyo with one of their most complete displays of the campaign, South Africa’s win meant the Super Eagles finished second in Group C, one point short of automatic qualification. The outcome sums up Nigeria’s turbulent qualifying run — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by missed chances in earlier draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Bright start

The Super Eagles started brightly, with Osimhen opening the scoring in the 3rd minute after being teed up by Samuel Chukwueze.

The pair combined again in the 37th minute, with Osimhen heading home his second.

The striker completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, this time assisted by Moses Simon. Substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the rout in stoppage time, converting calmly from close range to send the Uyo crowd into raptures.

Chelle’s men were in full control throughout, with key contributions from captain Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi.

A series of late substitutions — including Tolu Arokodare and Terem Moffi replacing Osimhen and Iwobi — allowed the coach to see off the needed big win.

Next hurdle

With this victory, Nigeria confirmed their place in the African playoffs to be held in Morocco in November.

The four best second-placed teams across the continent will compete for one remaining spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

The winner will then face teams from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas next March for the final two tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For now, Nigeria have done their part — and Osimhen’s heroics ensure the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream is still alive.

Meanwhile, seven countries have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa. They include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, which sealed a historic qualification on Monday, and the latest being South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal are on course to complete the roster.