Osimhen Scores a Hat Trick Against the Benin Republic to Help Nigeria Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria thrashed their neighbors, the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic, four goals to nil to sneak into the playoffs for the final spot.
Galatasaray and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen put Nigeria ahead in the 3rd minute with a clean finish and an assist from Samuel Chukwueze. In the 37th minute, Osimhen rose to the occasion to give Nigeria a two-goal lead and yet another assist from Chukwueze.
The match dragged on, with Nigeria looking more dangerous with every attack, while the Benin Republic sat back, employing their tiki-taka style to try to calm the Super Eagles’ playing style.
Steve Mounie, who was responsible for Benin’s victory over Nigeria in the first fixture, picked up a yellow card in the 43rd minute and looked frustrated at his team’s chances of going into their first-ever World Cup.
Nigeria’s wide midfielder, Chukwueze, was substituted in the 46th minute of the second half, with striker Olakunle Olusegun coming to give Nigeria a boost to their attacking point.
Five minutes later, with an assist from Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen got his hat trick as he put the ball past the Benin goalkeeper to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
Just before being substituted in the 81st minute, Osimhen showed his determination to carry Nigeria all by himself into the World Cup, as this would be his first ever World Cup and a chance to showcase his skills and talent on the world stage.
Substitute Frank Onyeka, who came in for Akor Adams, scored in the 90th minute to help Nigeria secure one of the four spots for the second-best-placed teams in the qualifiers, who will then go on to battle themselves in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, South Africa went to the top of Group C and qualified for the World Cup as they thrashed Rwanda, 3 goals to nil. Goals came from Thalente Mbatha in the 5th minute, Oswin Reagan Appollis in the 26th minute, and Evidence Makgopa in the 72nd minute.
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