Latest News
Victor Osimhen hits hat-trick as Nigeria C Crush Benin to reach World Cup Playoffs
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team sealed their place in the CAF World Cup Qualifying Playoffs after an emphatic 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic in their final Group C match on Tuesday in Uyo.
A brilliant hat-trick from Victor Osimhen inspired the Super Eagles to the dominant win that reignited their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Galatasaray forward opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, finishing off a fine assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
Osimhen doubled the lead in the 37th minute, heading home another Chukwueze delivery to put Eric Chelle’s men firmly in control before halftime.
The former Napoli striker completed his treble early in the second half, connecting superbly with Moses Simon’s free kick in the 51st minute to make it 3–0.
Nigeria added a fourth in stoppage time when Frank Onyeka volleyed home from another Simon cross to cap off a commanding performance at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The result means the Super Eagles finished second in Group C with 17 points, one behind South Africa, who topped the group after a 3–0 win over Rwanda to secure an automatic World Cup spot.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the CAF World Cup Qualifying Playoffs scheduled for November 2025, where they will compete for one of Africa’s final tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
