Victor Osimhen was on fire in Uyo as he netted a stunning hat-trick to lead Nigeria to a 4–0 win over Benin in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to ensure that Softfootball’s win prediction in the pregame analysis for the Super Eagles was spot on.
The Galatasaray forward didn’t waste time; just three minutes in, he latched onto a clever ball from Samuel Chukwueze and slotted home with his trademark calmness. He added another in the 37th minute, showing great awareness in the box, before completing his hat-trick early in the second half with a powerful header from Moses Simon’s assist.
It was vintage Osimhen. Full of pace, power, and that unrelenting hunger that lifts the entire team. His goals took his season tally to six, with one assist, combining both club and country duties, and this isn’t his first heroics, as he earlier netted the winner in Galatasaray’s 1-nil victory over Liverpool.
Frank Onyeka wrapped things up late on, smashing in Nigeria’s fourth in stoppage time to put a nice shine on a dominant performance that sends the Super Eagles into the World Cup qualification playoffs. Their superior goal difference over Burkina Faso sealed the deal.
Osimhen’s performance has drawn praise from fans and pundits, with Fabrizio Romano acknowledging the striker’s achievement in a post via his official X handle.
He posted;
Victor Osimhen delivers an hat-trick for Nigeria reaching 6 goals and 1 assist for club/country this season.
After a shaky start to the qualifying series, this was a statement win loud and clear. Osimhen led from the front, not just with goals but with grit, constantly pressing and lifting the energy of those around him. For many, it might just be one of his best nights yet in a Super Eagles shirt.
