Osimhen’s hat-trick and Onyeka’s late strike gave Nigeria a 4–0 win over Benin but the result wasn’t enough to secure a World Cup spot.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, scoring a first-half brace and completing his hat-trick in the 51st minute. Substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win for Nigeria.
Despite the victory, Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification as group leaders South Africa beat Rwanda 3–0 to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Head coach Finidi George made four changes from the previous win over Lesotho, with Wilfred Ndidi captaining the team and Osimhen partnering Akor Adams in attack.
“The boys gave everything,” Ndidi said after the match. “We wanted the ticket badly, but we’ll take the positives and keep building.”