By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria’s Super Eagles wrapped up their CAF Group C World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a commanding 4–0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening.
A sensational hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a stoppage-time strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win, keeping Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
Despite the dominant performance, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group C with 17 points, one point behind South Africa, who defeated Rwanda 3–0 in Johannesburg to top the group with 18 points.
Nigeria began the match on the front foot and needed just three minutes to open the scoring. Osimhen latched onto Samuel Chukwueze’s precise through ball and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter.
The Napoli striker doubled the lead in the 37th minute, rising highest to head home another inch-perfect cross from Chukwueze. Although the Villarreal winger was forced off at halftime due to injury, Moses Simon stepped in seamlessly to continue the onslaught.
Six minutes after the restart, Osimhen completed his hat-trick, heading in Simon’s curling free-kick that bounced off the bar before crossing the line — his fifth goal of the qualification series.
Benin, who entered the game at the top of the group and was hoping for a historic first World Cup appearance, struggled to contain Nigeria’s relentless attack. Their best chance came through Aiyegun Houtondji, whose effort from a tight angle struck the side netting.
Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, remained solid throughout, neutralizing every Beninese attempt at a comeback.
In stoppage time, substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal after a dazzling run and cross from Simon, sending the home fans into wild celebration. The goal proved crucial, boosting Nigeria’s goal difference and strengthening their position among the best second-placed teams across all CAF qualifying groups.
With 17 points, the Super Eagles are now virtually assured of a playoff spot, where the top four runners-up will battle for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs, offering one final route to the 2026 World Cup.
As the final whistle blew, chants of “Super Eagles!” echoed through the Uyo night. Fans waved flags and sang in jubilation, hopeful that Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup is far from over.
For Benin, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to their campaign, crushing dreams of a maiden World Cup appearance.
