Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their World Cup hopes alive with a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, netting a sensational hat-trick to send Nigeria into the playoffs of the World Cup qualifiers.
The Galatasaray forward wasted no time asserting his dominance, opening the scoring just three minutes into the game after pouncing on a defensive lapse by the Beninese backline.
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 37th minute, finishing off a fine assist from Samuel Chukwueze to put the Super Eagles firmly in control before halftime.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, coolly slotting home to make it 3-0 and put the game beyond the visitors’ reach.
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With Nigeria needing a fourth goal to secure qualification to the playoff stage, substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win in stoppage time (90+1 minute) with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box.
The result sparked jubilation among the home fans in Uyo, as the Super Eagles bounced back from their earlier qualification setbacks to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Nigeria will now await the playoff draw to determine their next opponents as they continue their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.