Nigeria vs Benin: Osimhen answers critics with emphatic hat-trick to keep Super Eagles' World Cup hopes alive

Nigeria's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup finals seemed dashed thanks to South Africa's emphatic win over Rwanda, but a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Frank Onyeka secured a crucial 4-0 win for the Super Eagles.

The win sees Nigeria potentially claim a top-four spot among the best second-placed teams in CAF qualifying, which would secure the Super Eagles a playoff spot for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles made their intentions clear from the opening minutes as Victor Osimhen put Nigeria in front after only three minutes with a fine finish.

Despite Benin Republic growing into the game and offering some threat after the opening goal, it was Nigeria who scored the second goal of the game to make it 2-0, thanks again to Osimhen, who scored a trademark towering heaer to double the lead.

Osimhen completed his hat-trick early in the second half to complete his hat-trick, giving the Super Eagles a 3-0 lead at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

With Nigeria heading into the late stages of the game, still needing a goal to put them in the best position for a potential top-four finish in the ranking of best second-placed teams in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles poured everything into the attack.

That decision paid off as substitute midfielder Frank Onyeka came up with a late winner with a sensational volley after Moses Simon's brilliant cross in the 91st minute.