Congratulations in Air as Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Fires Nigeria Into World Cup Playoffs
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive after a brilliant hat-trick from Victor Osimhen inspired a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, sealing the Super Eagles’ place in the playoffs.
OTN News further reports that the Napoli striker, who once again proved his reputation as one of Africa’s most clinical forwards, scored twice in the first half and completed his treble shortly after the restart at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added a late fourth goal to cap off a dominant performance.
Despite the emphatic result, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification as South Africa claimed a 3–0 home win over Rwanda in Johannesburg to top Group C by a single point.
The Super Eagles however, went into the decisive fixture needing both a win and a favourable result elsewhere. While they delivered a resounding display in Uyo, their earlier dropped points in draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe ultimately proved costly.
Tuesday’s victory, however, reignited optimism among fans and reaffirmed Osimhen’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s World Cup quest as they now prepare for the final playoff phase on the road to North America 2026.
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