The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic 4-0 in the decisive 2026 World Cup qualification at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and second-half goal from substitute Frank Onyeka were enough to give Nigeria three points against Benin in its quest to qualify for the World Cup.
Although the goals were not enough to give Nigeria the qualification ticket, as leaders, South Africa secured three points by beating Rwanda 3-0, qualifying for the World Cup tournament in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
There were four changes from the Super Eagles win over Lesotho. Ndidi leads the team tonight. Simon makes his 85th appearance as Osimhen partners with Akor Adams up front in a 4-4-2 masterpiece from the Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle.
As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
Osimhen doubles the Super Eagles lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box.
Benin Republic began the kick off into the second half to put pressure on the Super Eagles but Osimhen put the tie to bed in the 51st minute as completed his hat-trick to dash the Cheetahs’ hope of qualifying for the World cup.
The substituted Onyeka fired a shot past the Beninoise goalkeeper to make it four goals to nil in the 90th minute.
The win means that the Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed the second spot in their group and they hope to be part of the top four second ranking teams to have any hope of qualifying through a central playoff.
