Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick inspired Nigeria to a 4–0 win over Benin Republic in their final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday — but it wasn’t enough to seal automatic qualification, Afrosport reports.
The Super Eagles started brightly at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with Osimhen breaking the deadlock inside three minutes. After bursting through Benin’s defence, he latched onto a pass from Samuel Chukwueze before slotting home calmly.
Benin responded with some purpose, forcing Stanley Nwabali into a fine save from Andreas Hountondji, but Nigeria soon regained control.
Osimhen made it two to the hosts before the break, rising highest to meet Chukwueze’s cross with a powerful header in the 37th minute, sending the fans inside the stadium into raucous celebration.
The Galatasaray striker completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, glancing home a free-kick from Moses Simon to notch his 29th goal for Nigeria — leaving him just eight short of the all-time record held by Rashidi Yekini.
Eric Chelle made four changes late on, with Frank Onyeka replacing Friday’s hero Akor Adams in the 74th minute. The midfielder scored the fourth in stoppage time, sweeping in another Simon delivery.
Full-time in Uyo!
A dominant display from the boys; Victor Osimhen with a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka rounding it off in style.
🇳🇬 Nigeria 4–0 Benin 🇧🇯#SoarSuperEagles | #FIFAWCQ | #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/zguhidTLN3
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 14, 2025
Despite the emphatic result, Nigeria’s hopes of an automatic World Cup berth were dashed after South Africa beat Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela to top the group.
Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring in the fifth minute for Bafana Bafana after Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari failed to clear his lines.
Oswin Appollis doubled their advantage in the 26th minute, before Evidence Makgopa sealed the victory in the 72nd minute to confirm automatic qualification for Hugo Broos’ men.
What it means for Group C
The win saw Nigeria finish second in Group C with 17 points — one behind South Africa, who qualified directly for the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For Benin, who began the day top of the table, the defeat ended their qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, must now navigate the play-offs if they are to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
