Osimhen Fires Nigeria into 2026 World Cup Playoff with Stunning Hat-Trick in 4–0 Rout of Benin‎

Osimhen Fires Nigeria into 2026 World Cup Playoff with Stunning Hat-Trick in 4–0 Rout of Benin‎

By Abiola Adigun| Albarka 89.9 FM| Sports| October 14,2025

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have sealed their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after demolishing the Benin Republic 4–0 on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
A sensational hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from substitute Frank Onyeka ensured Nigeria claimed one of the coveted playoff slots reserved for the best second-placed teams across the qualifying groups.
With 17 points and a +7 goal difference, the Super Eagles sit comfortably in the third playoff position—mathematically uncatchable by any rival nation. The qualification format was further reshaped after Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, which prompted FIFA to deduct results against the sixth-placed teams in each group. For Nigeria, that meant losing two points gained against Zimbabwe, who finished bottom of Group C.
Osimhen, in imperious form, opened scoring just three minutes into the game after latching onto a precise through pass from Samuel Chukwueze. The Napoli striker doubled the lead before halftime with a towering header—again from a Chukwueze assist—before completing his hat-trick with a clever flicked header from a free-kick early in the second half.
As Benin struggled to contain Nigeria’s relentless attack, Onyeka came off the bench to put the result beyond doubt, slotting home a composed finish in the closing stages.
With this victory, Nigeria not only reaffirmed its continental dominance but also took a decisive step toward a seventh World Cup appearance. The playoff draw, expected later this year, will determine their path to the global showpiece jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.