Osimhen Stars as Nigeria Crushes Benin 4–0 to Reach Playoffs

Nigeria produced a statement performance, defeating Benin 4–0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and booking a spot in the playoff phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen spearheaded the victory with a commanding hat-trick. He opened the scoring in the 3rd minute from a Samuel Chukwueze assist, doubled the tally with a header in the 37th minute, and completed his hat-trick early in the second half from a Moses Simon delivery.

Frank Onyeka added the fourth deep in stoppage time, tucking away a pass from Simon to seal the emphatic win.

Throughout the match, Nigeria controlled possession, pressed Benin into mistakes, and maintained defensive discipline Benin struggled to mount any coherent threat and were shown yellow cards for fouls under pressure.

In the closing stages, substitutes Terem Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, and Bruno Onyemaechi were introduced to preserve momentum and maintain intensity on the pitch.

Despite the comprehensive win, Nigeria could not clinch direct qualification; they finished second in Group C with 17 points, one behind group winners South Africa.

Editorial

We saw on display a Nigeria side firing on all cylinders: attack, defence, composure. But this game also reminds us that football is rarely about single moments it is about consistency, strategy, and belief.

From the outset, the Super Eagles asserted dominance. Osimhen’s clinical finishes and Onyeka’s late seal are headlines, but what impressed even more was Nigeria’s tactical control. The team didn’t allow Benin time to breathe; pressing, rotations, and patience all played their role. We believe that this kind of performance is the blueprint for success in high-stakes matches.

Still, falling short of automatic qualification is a reminder that excellence must be sustained, not occasional. The margin between first and second is often slim, but its consequences are far from small. We urge the federation, coaching staff, and players to treat this as an impetus not a consolation.

Nigeria’s playing depth was tested, and the substitutions worked. That suggests rising talent is ready to contribute when called upon. But depth alone is not enough cohesion matters. These reinforcements must integrate seamlessly if Nigeria is to thrive in the playoffs and beyond.

Psychological resilience is critical. Knowing that even a 4–0 win couldn’t secure direct passage could peel away confidence if not handled properly. Yet in moments like this, a team must cement resolve, not falter. We trust this victory will galvanise the squad rather than lull them into overconfidence.

We believe Nigeria now enters the playoff phase with momentum and the right mindset. But momentum is fragile it must be harnessed, disciplined, and driven by purpose. Only then can we hope to turn this emphatic win into a stepping stone to glory.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen now joins an elite group of African players to score a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifying match.
2. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is among Nigeria’s few venues to host multiple international qualifiers in a single year.
3. Frank Onyeka’s goal came more than 60 minutes into play, illustrating Nigeria’s threat didn’t wane as the match wore on.
4. Nigeria’s playoff berth means they will feature among the “runners-up” teams contesting remaining qualification slots.
5. Benin have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five encounters with Nigeria in competitive fixtures.