Segun Atanda/
Nigeria reignited their World Cup campaign with a breathtaking 4–0 demolition of Benin Republic, storming into the play-off round in style.
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, netting a sensational hat-trick that left the home fans in awe and reaffirmed his status as Africa’s most lethal striker.
From the first whistle, the Super Eagles showed purpose and hunger, dictating play through the midfield brilliance of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
Their dominance paid off early, with Osimhen striking twice before halftime, one from a tight angle and another from a swift counterattack that typified Nigeria’s ruthless efficiency.
Benin barely managed to contain the relentless pressure, as Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Moses Simon tore through their defence with pace and precision.
The backline, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Zaidu Sanusi, stood firm and unyielding, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali largely untroubled.
Frank Onyeka added the final flourish deep into stoppage time, sealing Nigeria’s most convincing performance of the qualifiers so far.
Head Coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup proved flawless, combining defensive discipline with attacking fluidity that overwhelmed the Cheetahs.
Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after South Africa sealed their spot with a 3–0 victory over Rwanda.
The Super Eagles will now battle through the play-offs, determined to claim their ticket to the World Cup and restore national pride.
0Related posts:
How Realistic and Creative is the Nigerian Correctional Justice System?
Manufacturing is Key to Economic Growth, Development – Dangote
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
AFCON 2024: Elephants Snatch Victory from Super Eagles
Franz Beckenbauer, who Won the World Cup as Player and Coach for Germany, Dies at 78
2030 World Cup to Feature Matches in 6 Countries on 3 Continents