Osimhen scored three as Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in Uyo to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant hat-trick as Nigeria crushed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo on Tuesday, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive through the playoffs.
Despite the dominant win, the Super Eagles missed out on automatic qualification after South Africa beat Rwanda 3–0 in Johannesburg to top Group C.
Osimhen’s goals — two in the first half and one early in the second — underlined his class as Africa’s leading striker. Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to seal a commanding performance.
Nigeria ended the group stage one point behind South Africa, paying for earlier draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe that left their qualification hanging by a thread.