The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has showered praise on Victor Osimhen following his sensational hat-trick that powered the Super Eagles to a 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic in their final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Osimhen, who plies his trade with Galatasaray, opened the scoring early after a neat link-up with Samuel Chukwueze. The pair combined again in the 37th minute, with Chukwueze delivering a precise cross that Osimhen headed home for Nigeria’s second of the night.

Benin attempted to rally after the break, with Andreas Hountondji forcing a save from Stanley Nwabali, but their comeback hopes were short-lived.

Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, rising highest to meet Moses Simon’s cross, his header struck the upright before rolling into the net.

Substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth in stoppage time to seal a commanding win for the three-time African champions.

Following the match, CAF took to social media to applaud Osimhen’s outstanding performance, dubbing him the “main man” for Nigeria.

“Can’t spell Victory without Victor. 🌟🇳🇬 Mainman Osimhen comes clutch for Nigeria once again. ⚽️⚽️⚽️,” CAF wrote in a post that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

The result saw Nigeria finish second in Group C, earning a spot in the CAF playoff round, while South Africa claimed top spot and an automatic World Cup ticket after a 3–0 win over Rwanda.

Osimhen’s treble took his international tally to 29 goals, bringing him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37 for the Super Eagles.