Nigeria 4-0 Benin: I don’t want to see Ekong in that starting lineup again - Nigerian tells Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle

The Super Eagles delivered a spectacular performance, defeating the Benin Republic 4-0 in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Tuesday night, securing a crucial spot in the CAF playoffs.

Star striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, netting a brilliant hat-trick (3', 37', 51') to give Nigeria the commanding victory they desperately needed.

Substitute Frank Onyeka rounded off the scoring with a late, spectacular volley (90+1') to ensure the Super Eagles finished second in a tightly contested Group C.

The victory, however, did not entirely silence the noise around the team. The decision by coach Chelle to bench veteran captain William Troost-Ekong sparked mixed reactions.

While the team's commanding performance offered validation to the tactical shift, a section of the Super Eagles faithful took to social media to voice their continued scepticism about the captain's role.

One fan's widely shared comment following the final whistle encapsulated the sentiment, "I don’t want to see Ekong in that starting lineup again sha. The defence was solid tonight!"

The Super Eagles' focus now shifts to the next phase, where they must navigate a challenging playoff format to keep their World Cup dream alive.