The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Tuesday, defeating the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, while substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the victory with a late strike, securing three points for Nigeria in their push for World Cup qualification.
Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria missed out on an automatic qualification ticket as group leaders South Africa booked their spot at the 2026 tournament with a 3–0 victory over Rwanda earlier in Mbombela.
Head coach Finidi George made four changes from the previous win against Lesotho, with Wilfred Ndidi captaining the side and Moses Simon earning his 85th cap. Osimhen started upfront alongside Akor Adams, supported by Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi in attack.
Nigeria’s line-up: Stanley Nwabali (GK), Benjamin Fredrick, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute after connecting with a precise cross from Chukwueze. He doubled the lead in the 38th minute, once again finishing off a Chukwueze assist. The Napoli striker completed his hat-trick six minutes after the restart, firing past the Beninoise goalkeeper in the 51st minute.
Nigeria continued to press, with Ndidi missing a close-range effort in the 68th minute. However, substitute Frank Onyeka capped off the performance with a well-taken goal in stoppage time to seal a 4–0 victory.
The result keeps Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive as they look ahead to the next phase of the 2026 World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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