In a night that showcased both brilliance and heartbreak, Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational hat-trick to lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a dominant 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in their final Group C 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Yet the triumph proved bittersweet as South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda ended Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification.
The electric atmosphere inside the packed Uyo stadium set the stage for what promised to be a thrilling evening. Fans roared their support as the Super Eagles launched into the game with blistering pace and purpose.
Barely three minutes in, Osimhen, the talismanic Napoli forward, fired Nigeria ahead, pouncing on a defensive mix-up to slot calmly past Benin’s helpless goalkeeper.
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The momentum never waned. Nigeria pressed relentlessly, dictating possession and tempo. In the 37th minute, Osimhen doubled the advantage, rising high to nod home a pinpoint cross, a classic display of his aerial mastery and composure in front of goal. Benin’s Steve Mounie came close to halving the deficit just before half-time, but the Super Eagles’ defence held firm to preserve their two-goal cushion.
Barely a minute into the second half, the Uyo crowd was sent into delirium. Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, seizing on another defensive lapse to make it 3–0 and cement his reputation as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards. His jubilant celebration with teammates encapsulated the passion and pride of a nation yearning for a return to the World Cup stage.
Nigeria’s dominance continued until the final whistle. Substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth in the 90th minute, rounding off a commanding performance that left fans celebrating — if only briefly.
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Moments after the final whistle, news filtered through from Johannesburg: South Africa had cruised to a 3–0 victory over Rwanda, sealing their qualification and dashing Nigeria’s hopes despite the emphatic win. The realisation brought a sombre mood to an otherwise jubilant night in Uyo.
For the Super Eagles, the evening was a reminder of their enduring talent, and of how fine the margins can be in the race for World Cup glory.
