Agony for Benin as Victor Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Propels Nigeria into World Cup Play-Offs

The dream of a maiden World Cup appearance was brutally snatched from Benin as a rampant Nigeria, spearheaded by a spectacular Victor Osimhen hat-trick, delivered a crushing 4-0 defeat in their final Group C qualifier. The result, coupled with South Africa’s concurrent victory over Rwanda, cemented a heartbreaking exit from the automatic qualification race for the Cheetahs, while securing a critical World Cup playoff spot for the Super Eagles.

Benin entered the final matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a position of strength, sitting atop Group C. All they needed was to avoid a heavy defeat against their neighbours and hope for a favourable outcome in the other group match. However, the Super Eagles, playing with a renewed sense of urgency in front of a passionate home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, had other plans.

The tone was set just minutes into the game when star striker Victor Osimhen burst through the Beninese defence to fire home the opener in the 3rd minute. The Galatasaray forward was uncontainable, doubling the lead midway through the first half with a towering header.

Despite a brief period of resistance from Benin, who were under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, virtually sealing the victory for Nigeria.

The final, crucial blow came in stoppage time when substitute Frank Onyeka volleyed home a powerful fourth goal after a brilliant run and cross from Moses Simon. The late strike proved decisive, boosting Nigeria’s goal difference high enough to ensure they finished as one of the best second-placed teams across the continent’s nine qualifying groups.

The 4-0 thrashing meant Benin, who had been in first place before the day’s fixtures, tumbled to third in the group standings, their journey for a World Cup ticket over.

For Nigeria, the dominant win was a necessary performance to keep their World Cup dream alive. They finished Group C in second place behind South Africa, who secured the automatic qualification slot after defeating Rwanda 3-0. The Super Eagles will now advance to a four-team African knockout playoff tournament, where they will battle for the right to represent the continent in the subsequent inter-confederation play-offs.

While the Super Eagles celebrate extending their route to the World Cup, the day will be remembered as one of great anguish for Benin, whose historic qualification hopes were dashed in the most dramatic of circumstances.