Nigerian Super Eagles Thrash Benin 4-0 to Qualify for 2026 World Cup in USA

By Emmanuel Kwada 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling Benin 4-0 in a do-or-die 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. With Victor Osimhen netting a sensational hat-trick and Frank Onyeka adding the cherry on top, Nigeria secured their spot in the intercontinental playoffs, finishing the group stage with 14 points.

The atmosphere was electric as the final whistle blew, confirming Nigeria’s advancement via a superior goal difference over Benin, who also finished on 14 points.

Victor Osimhen celebrating his goal

Osimhen, the talismanic Galatasaray striker, stole the show with three clinical finishes, silencing doubters who questioned his fitness after an ankle injury earlier this year.

His first goal came in the 12th minute, a poacher’s effort from close range, followed by a thunderous header in the 38th and a cheeky chip in the 67th to complete his treble.

Onyeka sealed the rout in the 85th minute, capitalizing on a counterattack to send the over 30,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.

For a team that stumbled through much of the campaign, tonight’s display was a testament to resilience. “We knew we had to win, and the boys gave everything,” said a beaming Osimhen post-match, his blonde hair glistening with sweat. “This is for the fans who never gave up on us.”

We knew we had to win, and the boys gave everything

Nigeria’s qualification journey has been anything but smooth. Under new coach Eric Chelle, who took over after a dismal run of three draws and a loss in their first four matches, the Super Eagles were teetering on the brink of elimination.

A 2-1 defeat to Benin in June had left them languishing, with South Africa seemingly cruising toward the group lead.

But a FIFA ruling in September changed the game: South Africa was docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, handing Nigeria a lifeline.

The turning point came on October 10, when Osimhen’s brace secured a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, reigniting hope. That result, combined with tonight’s demolition of Benin, showcased a team finding its rhythm at the eleventh hour.

“We’ve had our backs against the wall, but this squad has heart,” Chelle said in a post-match press conference. “Victor’s return to form has been the spark we needed.”

We’ve had our backs against the wall, but this squad has heart

The group standings tell a story of narrow margins. Nigeria ended with 14 points, level with Benin but ahead on goals scored (10 vs. 7). South Africa, also on 14, clinched direct qualification with a 1-0 win over Rwanda, thanks to that earlier points deduction.

Rwanda finished third with 11 points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe trailed with 4 and 3, respectively. For Nigeria, it’s a bittersweet finish qualification secured, but the playoffs loom as a fresh challenge.

Osimhen’s hat-trick wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a redemption arc for a player who’d been sidelined by injury concerns.

After limping off in September with an ankle issue, his recovery in Istanbul was a race against time. Tonight, he proved his worth, outmuscling Benin’s defense and tormenting goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

Victor Osimhen’s 27th goal for the Super Eagles 🇳🇬🦅#NGABEN #FIFAWCQ2026pic.twitter.com/2xOmSAbGGq

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) October 14, 2025

“He’s the best striker we’ve had in years,” fan Isaac Obonaya wrote on his Facebook page. “Put some respect on his name!”

With group stage done, Nigeria now turns its attention to the intercontinental playoffs in November 2025, where they’ll face a non-African side for a shot at the 48-team World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The draw, set for later this month, will pit them against one of the five remaining confederation runners-up, potentially a European or Asian giant.

For a team that’s shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, this is a golden opportunity and a stern test.

As the confetti settles in Uyo, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have clawed their way to the playoffs with a performance that blended individual brilliance and collective grit.

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