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Victor Osimhen produced a masterclass in finishing as Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in their final 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening, Footynaija.com reports.
The Galatasaray striker struck three times, twice in the first half and once shortly after the restart, while Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to seal a commanding win for the Super Eagles.
Although the result did not guarantee automatic qualification, it was a performance that restored pride and belief in Eric Chelle’s team.
Nigeria needed a win and for South Africa to drop points against Rwanda to progress automatically.
However, South Africa’s 3–0 victory elsewhere ensured Bafana Bafana topped Group C, leaving Nigeria in second place and waiting on the outcome of DR Congo’s clash with Sudan for a potential playoff spot.
Head coach Eric Chelle made several changes from the side that beat Lesotho 2–1 on Friday.
With Ademola Lookman suspended, Samuel Chukwueze returned to the starting lineup, while Zaidu Sanusi replaced Bruno Onyemaechi at left-back. Semi Ajayi came in for captain William Troost-Ekong, and Akor Adams retained his place ahead of Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria got off to a flying start. Just three minutes in, Chukwueze found Osimhen with a perfectly weighted pass, and the striker finished smartly to open the scoring. Benin responded through Steve Mounie, but Stanley Nwabali was alert to keep his effort out.
Despite a few shaky moments at the back, Nigeria doubled their advantage five minutes before half-time. A quick throw from Benjamin Fredrick found Chukwueze, who whipped in a delightful cross that Osimhen met with a powerful header for 2–0.
The home crowd erupted as Osimhen celebrated his brace, putting Nigeria briefly in control of their qualification hopes before news filtered through that South Africa had extended their lead elsewhere.
Three minutes into the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick — his second ever for Nigeria and his second on home soil — heading home from a well-delivered free-kick by Moses Simon.
The treble takes Osimhen’s tally to 29 international goals, moving him within eight of Nigeria’s all-time record held by the late Rashidi Yekini (37). Simon nearly added a fourth, but his close-range strike was palmed away by the Benin goalkeeper.
Substitute Onyeka came off the bench to smash home a fourth after good work from Simon.
Nigeria saw out the game comfortably, ending their group campaign with a convincing win and have now sealed a spot in November’s World Cup playoffs.
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