Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar performance as Nigeria cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic, boosting their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles headed into the clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening, seeking a win to stand any chance of reaching next year’s tournament.
They also required Rwanda to secure a favorable outcome in another group game that was played simultaneously.
Their bid got off to the best possible start as they took the lead inside two minutes, when Victor Osimhen received a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze and produced a clinical finish beyond the Benin Republic goalkeeper.
The Galatasaray forward was like a man on a mission, and deservedly doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, getting on the end of another assist by Chukwueze to make it 2-0.
The 26-year-old completed his hat-trick early in the second half, as he got on the end of an exquisite free kick delivery from Moses Simon, to head into the net.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth in stoppage time to seal the victory, which also secures the Super Eagles’ place in the continental playoffs.
South Africa thrashed Rwanda 3-0 in the other group game to finish top of group C and clinch the available automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, courtesy of their second-placed finish, the Super Eagles earned a spot in the playoff as one of the best-ranked second-placed teams in the qualifying rounds.
The playoffs will hold in Morocco in November, with the four teams jostling for one available spot to advance to an intercontinental playoff against a team from Asia or South America.
The mini-tournament will see four teams compete with one another in two straight knockout rounds, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental finals next March.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
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