Nigeria Super Eagles 4–0 Benin: Osimhen’s hat-trick powers a dominant win, but Nigeria miss automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup
Nigeria Super Eagles 4–0 Benin became the headline result of Tuesday night as the national team produced a scintillating display in their final Round 10 World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.
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Despite the emphatic victory, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In front of a jubilant home crowd, the Super Eagles played with flair and precision, inspired by a hat-trick from Napoli star Victor Osimhen, whose performance showcased his world-class finishing and leadership.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, finishing off a clever through ball from Samuel Chukwueze.
The duo combined again in the 37th minute as Osimhen doubled the lead with another clinical strike that left the Beninese goalkeeper rooted.
Early in the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, latching onto Moses Simon’s pinpoint cross to make it 3–0.
Substitute Frank Onyeka put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, calmly slotting home Nigeria’s fourth after another assist from Simon.
The result lifted Nigeria to 17 points, level with Benin but just one point behind group leaders South Africa, who advanced automatically to the 2026 World Cup.
Despite missing out on direct qualification, the Super Eagles’ spirited performance offered renewed hope and confidence as they prepare for the CAF play-offs, where a win will secure their place among Africa’s representatives at the global tournament.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong praised the squad’s resilience, describing the victory as “a powerful statement of intent” ahead of the next challenge.
Also read: Super Eagles move closer to 2026 World Cup after tense 2-1 victory
For now, Nigeria’s fate lies in the play-offs—but their 4–0 demolition of Benin sends a clear message that the Super Eagles remain a formidable force on the continent.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
