Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass in finishing as his hat-trick inspired the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a commanding 4–0 win over Benin Republic, sealing their place in the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Playing at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, the Galatasaray striker was simply unstoppable, while substitute Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to cap off Nigeria’s most convincing performance of the qualifying campaign.

With hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread, coach Eric Chelle made several changes from the side that edged Lesotho in Polokwane last Friday. Akor Adams earned a starting spot alongside Samuel Chukwueze, while Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi came in for captain William Troost-Ekong and Bruno Onyemaechi.

The Super Eagles got off to a dream start as Chukwueze slipped a precise pass through for Osimhen, who calmly slotted home just three minutes in. The early strike boosted Nigeria’s confidence, even as news filtered in that South Africa had also taken the lead against Rwanda through Thalente Mbatha.

Despite Benin enjoying more of the ball, Stanley Nwabali stood firm in goal, pulling off a few routine saves to keep Nigeria ahead. The hosts remained dangerous on the counter, and their persistence paid off again in the 37th minute when Chukwueze’s clever play and pinpoint cross found Osimhen, who doubled the lead with a powerful header.

At halftime, Nigeria led 2–0 in Uyo, but South Africa were also up 2–0 in Mbombela, keeping the battle for top spot tense.

Shortly after the restart, Chukwueze was forced off injured and replaced by Olusegun Olakunle. However, the setback didn’t slow the Eagles down. In the 51st minute, Osimhen completed his hat-trick with another towering header from Moses Simon’s set-piece delivery, effectively sealing the win.

As the clock wound down, substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time to put the icing on the cake and confirm Nigeria’s spot in next month’s playoff round.

The Super Eagles may have produced their biggest win of the qualifiers, but they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after South Africa beat Rwanda 3–0. Nigeria will now turn their focus to the playoffs, where a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the Americas will be up for grabs.