Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass performance that reignited Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles’ talisman scored a sensational hat-trick to lead his team to a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic, earning high praise from head coach Eric Chelle, who confidently described him as “the best striker in the world.”
From the opening minutes at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Nigeria imposed themselves on the game. Osimhen struck just three minutes in, signaling a night of dominance for the Super Eagles. Benin struggled to contain his explosive movement and lethal finishing, and just before halftime, Osimhen extended the lead with a towering header that left the visitors scrambling.
The second half brought even more drama, as Osimhen completed his hat-trick with precision and composure, confirming his role as the undisputed star of the match. Nigeria’s attacking momentum continued when Frank Onyeka, introduced as a substitute, unleashed a powerful volley in stoppage time to seal the emphatic 4-0 triumph, giving the Super Eagles renewed confidence heading into the playoffs.
After the game, Chelle expressed his admiration for both the team and their fans but reserved his highest praise for Osimhen. “I am very happy for my players, especially the best striker in the world, Victor [Osimhen],” he told reporters. “Now we go to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult. This is the start, and I am proud of everyone, including the fans who pushed us.”
Looking ahead, Nigeria faces a challenging CAF playoff stage, with potential encounters against Cameroon, Gabon, and either DR Congo or Burkina Faso. A successful run in the playoffs could see the Super Eagles advance to the inter-confederation playoffs for a shot at the 2026 World Cup. Osimhen’s performance has set the tone, proving he remains Nigeria’s key to achieving that dream.
