In a commanding display of intent, Nigeria’s Super Eagles dismantled the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Powered by a sensational Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a late strike from Frank Onyeka, the win breathes new life into Nigeria’s qualification campaign and sends a clear message to the rest of Group C.
Osimhen Opens the Floodgates Early
From the blast of the whistle, Nigeria looked businesslike. After weeks of criticism and mounting pressure on both players and technical crew, the Super Eagles delivered a performance that was as stylish as it was ruthless.
Barely three minutes into the encounter, Victor Osimhen struck the opener; a classic poacher’s goal that showcased both his instinct and positioning. Samuel Chukwueze had broken down the right flank and delivered a cross that Osimhen latched onto with precision, firing low into the net to give Nigeria the early lead.
The goal visibly lifted the team, and the momentum never waned. Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, this time with a commanding header following a set-piece delivery. By halftime, the Eagles were soaring and Benin had no answers.
Hat-Trick Hero & Onyeka’s Finishing Touch
The second half brought more of the same intensity. In the 51st minute, Osimhen completed his hat-trick in style, once again outmuscling his marker to head home from close range; this time off a Moses Simon assist. The Napoli striker’s celebration said it all: this was personal.
The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when Brentford’s Frank Onyeka added a fourth. A tidy finish inside the box capped off a sweeping move, sealing one of Nigeria’s most convincing World Cup qualifying victories in recent memory.
A Night of Nigerian Dominance
From midfield control to solid defensive discipline, the Super Eagles barely put a foot wrong. While official match stats were still filtering in at press time, the scoreboard told the main story. Nigeria were efficient, aggressive, and clinical.
Notably, the defence, marshalled by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, kept things tight at the back, ensuring goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had a relatively quiet evening. In midfield, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi pulled strings with composure, while the wings buzzed with pace and intent.
Implications: Nigeria Back in the Race
This result significantly boosts Nigeria’s standing in Group C, where only the top team will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. After a frustrating draw against South Africa last week, the emphatic win over Benin recalibrates expectations and restores belief across the nation.
For Benin, the result is a sobering one. The Cheetahs looked disjointed, lacking creativity in the final third and unable to cope with Nigeria’s relentless tempo. With the race for qualification heating up, they’ll need a massive turnaround in their next fixtures to stay competitive.
What Comes Next
Reactions have been pouring in from fans and pundits, many praising the tactical adjustments and renewed fighting spirit. Osimhen, in particular, was lauded across social media for stepping up in a high-pressure moment reminding everyone why he remains Nigeria’s most important attacking weapon.
Nigeria will now look ahead to their next round of qualifiers, where consistency will be key. But if this performance is anything to go by, the Super Eagles may have finally found their wings.