Nigeria kept their World Cup dreams alive with a resounding 4-0 victory over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday, sealing a place in the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
Victor Osimhen was the star of the show, scoring a stunning hat-trick to inspire one of the Super Eagles’ most convincing performances of the campaign. The Napoli forward opened the scoring in the third minute from a Samuel Chukwueze assist and doubled the lead with a powerful header midway through the first half.
Nigeria maintained control throughout, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel ensuring a clean sheet. Osimhen completed his treble in the 51st minute before Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win in the closing moments after a fine Moses Simon run.
The result lifts Nigeria to second in Group C, sending them into the CAF playoff round as they continue their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.