2026 WCQ: Osimhen Hat-Trick Thrashes Benin 4-0 as Troost-Ekong Hails ‘Belief’

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial lifeline in their bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overcoming the Benin Republic with a resounding 4-0 victory in the final Group C match to book a place in the African playoffs.

Dependable NG reports that the emphatic win was spearheaded by a sensational hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen, with substitute Frank Onyeka adding the fourth goal late in the game. Despite the comprehensive victory in Uyo, the Super Eagles narrowly missed the automatic qualification spot to South Africa, forcing them into the nerve-wracking playoff round scheduled for Morocco. Captain William Troost-Ekong, reflecting on the team’s challenging journey, expressed deep pride in their resilience. “It’s easy to celebrate this good moment, but it’s been really tough this last month. That’s down to us, to come out now and achieve something that was said to be impossible many times, yet we kept believing,” the veteran defender stated in the post-match press conference. The victory ensures the Super Eagles remain on course for the Mundial in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the entire nation now rallying behind them for the final push in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.