The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, defeating the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A brilliant hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from substitute Frank Onyeka sealed all three points for Nigeria, keeping their qualification hopes alive despite South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda, which secured the Bafana Bafana’s place at the World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Head coach Finidi George made four changes from the previous match against Lesotho. Wilfred Ndidi captained the team, while Moses Simon earned his 85th cap. Osimhen partnered Akor Adams up front in a strong attacking lineup.
Nigeria’s starting XI: 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.
Substitutes: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, and Olusegun.
The Super Eagles took control early, with Osimhen opening the scoring in the third minute, finishing off a fine assist from Samuel Chukwueze. Benin pushed for an equaliser in the 12th minute, but their attack was neutralised by Calvin Bassey.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead — again assisted by Chukwueze — putting the home side firmly in control before halftime.
The second half began with Benin attempting to fight back, but Osimhen struck again in the 51st minute to complete his hat-trick, further extending the Super Eagles’ lead to 3–0.
Nigeria continued to dominate possession, and although Wilfred Ndidi missed a golden opportunity in the 68th minute, substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the dying moments, firing past the Beninoise goalkeeper in the 90th minute to seal a convincing 4–0 victory.
While the result did not confirm Nigeria’s qualification, it significantly improved their standing and revived optimism among fans that the Super Eagles remain firmly in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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