Galatasaray of Turkey striker Victor Osimhen was on Tuesday evening at his best at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as he sank the visiting Squirrels of Benin Republic to keep Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive.
The Super Eagles went into the final Group C encounter as a third placed team on the log and needed an outright win against the top-placed Beninoise, who required only a draw to sail through.
Head Coach Eric Chelle marshalled out Nwabali, Fredrick, Sanusi, Ndidi, Ajayi, Osimhen, Chukwueze, Adams, Simon, Iwobi, and Bassey to do the battle.
Business-like from the blast of the referee’s whistle, the Super Eagles grabbed an early lead when Osimhen outpaced his markers to slot home a Chukwueze pass.
Osimhen struck again as the first half inched towards the end, once more converting a Chukwueze pass to extend the lead in the 37th minute.
The Galatasaray of Turkey top striker broke loose once more, completing a hat-trick six minutes into the second half.
Substitute Frank Onyeka iced the cake with a 90th minute goal to complete the routing of the Beninoise 4-0.
With the victory, Nigeria ended the campaign with the same 17 points as Benin but occupying the second position courtesy of superior goals difference — thus raising hope of possible qualification as second best team.
South Africa qualified automatically after beating visiting Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium to top the group with 19 points.
