Nigeria’s Super Eagles roared back to life in the final leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, crushing Benin Republic 4–0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, a performance that reignited national pride and showcased the lethal brilliance of Victor Osimhen.
Super Eagles squad
The Galatasaray talisman was unstoppable, delivering a spectacular hat-trick that silenced critics and reminded the world why he remains Africa’s most feared striker. Osimhen struck twice before halftime, feeding off crisp link-up play from Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, before completing his treble just after the break. Substitute Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to seal Nigeria’s biggest win of the qualifiers.
Despite the emphatic victory, Nigeria narrowly missed automatic qualification, as South Africa defeated Rwanda 3–0 in Johannesburg to top Group C by a single point. The Super Eagles’ earlier stumbles, particularly costly draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, came back to haunt them.
Now, the road to North America 2026 runs through the CAF Playoffs, where Nigeria must overcome Cameroon, Gabon, and Burkina Faso for one of Africa’s remaining slots before facing potential intercontinental opposition.
Still, Tuesday’s triumph in Uyo felt like a statement, with Osimhen back to his ruthless best. Nigeria’s World Cup hopes, once flickering, are now burning bright again.
