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 our win over Lesotho. Ndidi leads the team tonight. Simon makes his 85th appearance. Osimhen partners with Akor Adams up front.
Nigeria’s Line-up vs Benin Republic: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Fredrick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Semi Ajayi, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Akor Adams, 21. Calvin Bassey.
Substitutes are: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.
As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
The Cheetahs of the Benin Republic are also pushing for an equaliser in the 12th minute of the match, but the attack was stopped by Calvin Bassey.
As of 14 minutes into the game, ball possession is Nigeria 58% and Benin 42%. While both teams are on one short on target each.
In the 22 minutes, Osimhen almost converted the cross made to him in the box, but unfortunately was defended by a calm Beninoise defender.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubles the lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box. It is now 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
The Egyptian referee who serves as the first official for the game has added five minutes of extra time.
Benin Republic began the kick off into the second half to put pressure on the Super Eagles.
Osimhen, again, again and again. The Super Eagles forward hit a hat-trick in the 51st minute.
The Super Eagles come knocking on the Cheetahs’ door again in the hunt for a fourth goal, but the effort was wasted by Wilfred Ndidi in the 68th minute.
However, the resilient Nigerian squad came knocking again after substitute Onyeka fired a shot past the Beninoise goalkeeper to make it four goals to nil in the 90th minute.
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