Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and a Frank Onyeka strike, earned the Super Eagles a convincing 4-0 win against Benin Republic which was not enough as they missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles failed to secure the ticket as South Africa ‘s Bafana Bafana defeated Rwanda 3-0 in the other game to emerge Group C winners.
Osimhen delivered a stunning performance for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they thrashed Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday to the delight of the supporters at the stadium and brought back hope of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
However, the Super Eagles clinched one of the best second placed spots and will feature in the playoffs in Morocco in November.
After 10 rounds of matches, South Africa topped with 18 points, the Super Eagles was second on 17 points and Benin third also on 17 points.
Head Coach Eric Chelle made some changes from the game with Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi making the starting line-up, Olakunle Olusegun made his debut after coming on before the start of the second half.
Osimhen gave the Super Eagles the lead on three minutes as he ran on to a through pass from Chukwueze before slotting pass the keeper.
On 22 minutes Osimhen connected with his head to Chukwueze’s cross but it went off target.
In the 37th minute Osimhen made it 2-0 as he rose to head Chukwueze’s cross past Benin Republic keeper.
Early in the second half Adams went close to extending the Super Eagles lead but his shot went straight to the keeper.
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 to round off a dominant performance.
