Sports
BREAKING: Oshimen scores hat-trick as Nigeria thrash Benin in crucial WCQ
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially qualified for the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The win secured Nigeria one of the four slots reserved for the best second-placed teams across the qualification groups.
The Super Eagles currently sit third among the playoff contenders and are mathematically unshakable from the position.
Following Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, CAF ruled that results against sixth-placed teams would be excluded from playoff calculations.
Despite earning just two points against Zimbabwe, who finished bottom of Group C, Nigeria’s 15 points and +7 goal difference were enough to surpass Burkina Faso and Niger.
Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, scoring a stunning hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late goal to complete the rout.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute after a brilliant pass from Samuel Chukwueze, then doubled the lead before halftime with a powerful header from another Chukwueze assist. The Napoli forward completed his hat-trick in the second half with a clever header from a free-kick.
With minutes left on the clock, Onyeka pounced inside the Benin box to slot home the fourth goal, sealing Nigeria’s ticket to the playoffs.
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