Osimhen hat-trick fires Nigeria into 2026 World Cup playoffs

Nigeria produced a dominant display in Uyo to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive, beating Benin 4-0 to secure a spot in the interconfederation playoffs.

Star striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late fourth as the Super Eagles swept aside their West African rivals in convincing fashion.

Osimhen opened the scoring inside three minutes after latching onto a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter. The same pair combined again in the 37th minute, with Osimhen heading home his second goal to give Nigeria a commanding lead at the break.

Early in the second half, the Galatasaray forward completed his hat-trick with another powerful header, this time from a Moses Simon free-kick, underlining his dominance in the air and his clinical finishing. Benin offered little resistance and struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pressing and pace.

In stoppage time, substitute Onyeka added a fourth to seal a comprehensive victory and confirm Nigeria’s place among the best second-placed teams in African qualifying, securing their ticket to the interconfederation playoffs.

The Super Eagles will now await confirmation of their interconfederation playoff opponents, where a final hurdle stands between them and qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.