Super Eagles Coach Chelle Hails Osimhen as ‘Best Striker in the World’ After Hat-Trick

Following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, calling him “the best striker in the world.

Osimhen, now officially a Galatasaray player, bagged a hat-trick in the contest—scoring twice in the first half and completing his treble early in the second—propelling Nigeria into the playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking after the match, Chelle expressed satisfaction with the team’s adaptation to his methods and the composure they showed under pressure. “I am so proud of my players … they deserve this game because it was not easy with a new coach and a new philosophy,” he said. “So now, we go to Morocco. This is not finished it is the beginning, it is very difficult.”

Chelle defended earlier inconsistent results, insisting that the commitment and passion of the squad were never in doubt. He also singled out captain William Troost-Ekong for praise, citing his leadership and calming presence especially after Troost-Ekong scored a key penalty against Lesotho in the previous fixture.

With the win, Nigeria secured second spot in their group with 17 points, trailing only South Africa, and secured passage to the playoff round of the qualifiers.

Editorial

We must recognise that this moment speaks volumes—both about Victor Osimhen’s standing and the direction of the Super Eagles under Eric Chelle. Declaring Osimhen “the best striker in the world” is bold, but performances of this kind invite boldness.

We believe that such praise should not be seen as mere hyperbole, but as a signal. A signal that the team is centring around its proven match winners, that confidence is being restored, and that ambition is real. For a squad rebuilding under new leadership, performances like this are essential to shifting narratives.

Chelle’s insistence on embracing a new philosophy despite early turbulence shows character. The early part of his tenure saw questions raised: could the players adapt, would results come fast enough? Now, he can point to this result as evidence that his methods are beginning to take root.

We also believe that leadership on and off the pitch, epitomised by Troost-Ekong, plays a hidden role in such victories. When senior players shoulder responsibility and maintain composure, teammates sense safety. In tight matches, that difference can determine margins. Chelle’s recognition of that is a reminder that coaching is not only about tactics, but about emotional balances and team culture.

This victory and the ensuing praise must not become a peak to plateau. The playoff round is demanding. Emerging as one of the best second-place teams is an achievement succeeding beyond it demands consistency, resilience, and adaptability. Being “the beginning” as Chelle called it, means the journey now intensifies.

We assert that when coaches dare to uplift their stars publicly and when those stars deliver, the rest of the squad is lifted too. Osimhen’s brilliance gives permission for others to believe, to push harder, and to match high standards. If Chelle continues weaving belief with structure, Nigeria might not only contest, but command in the next phases.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick was his first for Nigeria in competitive qualifiers (as opposed to friendlies).
2. Eric Chelle is the first non-Nigerian head coach of the Super Eagles in recent years to publicly brand a player “the best in the world” shortly after a match.
3. William Troost-Ekong’s penalty against Lesotho was critical to Nigeria securing momentum before the match with Benin.
4. Nigeria’s playoff qualification came despite not topping their group, showing how tight margins among second-placed teams can be decisive in African qualification formats.
5. Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray marks a new chapter after several seasons in the top European leagues, making him one of Nigeria’s few strikers combining top-flight European form with national team leadership.