Nigeria delivered an emphatic 4–0 triumph over Benin Republic on Tuesday night at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, capping off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with authority. The Super Eagles showcased a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, leaving little doubt about their quality and determination to reach the global stage. The comprehensive victory also highlighted the team’s tactical discipline and cohesion under coach Eric Chelle, providing fans with an exhilarating night of football.
Despite the dominant win, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup, finishing second in Group C. Nevertheless, the Super Eagles secured a playoff berth, keeping their hopes alive and demonstrating that they remain a formidable side capable of challenging for a spot in the 2026 tournament, regardless of results elsewhere in the group standings.
Osimhen shines with ruthless hat-trick
Victor Osimhen was undoubtedly the star of the night, producing a clinical performance that left Benin’s defense helpless. He opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, expertly connecting with Samuel Chukwueze’s well-timed cross to give Nigeria an early lead and set the tone for the match. The Napoli striker continued to torment the opposition, doubling the lead in the 37th minute with a commanding header, again assisted by Chukwueze, displaying his aerial prowess and composure in front of goal.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, finishing with precision from a perfectly delivered Moses Simon cross. His third goal not only cemented his status as the man of the match but also underscored his importance to Nigeria’s attacking strategy. The forward’s clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses made him the standout performer in a game dominated by the Super Eagles.
Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal in stoppage time, sending a powerful strike into the top corner from another precise Moses Simon assist. Onyeka’s contribution capped off a dominant display from the Super Eagles and ensured a memorable night for the home fans, who witnessed a full showcase of Nigeria’s attacking talent and team unity.
Super Eagles impose their dominance
From the opening whistle, Nigeria controlled the tempo of the match, combining sharp attacking transitions with organized defending. The Super Eagles’ high press disrupted Benin’s attempts to build from the back, forcing errors and winning possession in dangerous areas. The home side’s fluid attacking movements, combined with clinical finishing, left Benin struggling to create meaningful chances throughout the game.
Benin Republic resorted to a series of fouls in an attempt to halt Nigeria’s momentum, earning multiple yellow cards in the process. Nigeria’s tactical discipline, combined with coach Eric Chelle’s strategic substitutions — including the introduction of Tolu Arokodare and Frank Onyeka — maintained the team’s intensity and focus until the final whistle, leaving the visitors unable to respond effectively.
Playoff preparations begin
With the result, Nigeria finished second in Group C, accumulating 17 points, just one behind South Africa, who topped the table with 18 points. While the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on direct qualification, the convincing win over Benin has provided the squad with confidence and momentum heading into the CAF playoff round. The team will now focus on preparing for the high-stakes encounters that will determine their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The victory also serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s attacking potency, defensive resilience, and overall squad depth, all of which will be crucial in navigating the upcoming playoff matches. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as the Super Eagles aim to translate this dominant performance into success in the next phase of qualification, keeping alive the nation’s hopes of returning to the World Cup stage with a strong and confident team.