For one night for Uyo, everything shine for Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles. The people wey pack Godswill Akpabio Stadium no just come watch match — dem come witness history. Na wetin Osimhen do against Benin dem go remember for long: hat-trick plus another goal by Frank Onyeka seal a 4-0 hammering. Nigeria finish second for Group C, secure play-off spot, hope still dey alive for 2026 World Cup.
Early Fire & No Mercy
From the whistle, Nigeria dey show say dem mean business. Three minutes inside the game, Samuel Chukwueze play sharp pass, Osimhen calm finish, stadium burst in celebration. Before many fan don settle down, bench and stands dey electric.
Benin try dey adjust, but dem no get rhythm. Every time dem think say dem don settle, Nigeria show up again. Chukwueze run left, crosses, Moses Simon dey influence, and defense dey shaky. For first half alone, Osimhen don score two goals — one early, one 37th minute with nice head from another good cross. Benin no even know how to handle am.
Hat-Trick & The Knockdown Blow
After half-time Nigeria no slow down. Six minutes into second half, Osimhen show why people dey call am one of strongest forwards for Africa. Moses Simon swing free kick, ball hit bar first, bounce – Osimhen there, head in. Hat-trick done. Dem say na his first international hat-trick in two years.
From there, Benin no get hope again. Dem dey try push, but the defense of Nigeria tight. Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel dem tough up back. Midfield no gree give space. Pressure full ground. Fan dey scream: “This one na our night!”
Onyeka Red Carpet Moment
As game dey near end, Nigeria wan ensure no tinkering. Frank Onyeka on as substitute, Moses Simon dey hustle, cross drop, Onyeka pounce, finish nicely. 4-0 finish. Nobody fit argue. Dem blow away Benin completely.
Group Table Wahala: Good Win But Not Enough For Automatic
Even though Nigeria hammer Benin 4-0, South Africa no slack. Them beat Rwanda 3-0, and that one make them take first place for Group C with 18 points. Nigeria end with 17 points, same with Benin, but goal difference favour Nigeria so dem secure second. But second no mean direct ticket — play-off route dey tough, but possible.
Benin heartbreak full ground. Dem enter the match at the top of the group, dey hope say if them manage draw or win, dem fit gaa top. But night no favour dem. Dem lose position by goal difference. Dem exit direct qualification, dreams scatter.
Osimhen Strong Like Mountain
Before the whistle, plenty people dey talk say Osimhen wara — maybe fitness matter, maybe form no so sharp. But tonight, he carry all that pressure, all the criticism, turn am into power. He run, he jump, he sharp in head and feet. Every goal sweet, every movement purposeful. CAF chef hail am “mainman” for Nigeria, say na people wey dey step up when matters high dey shine.
What Next? Eyes On Playoffs & Bigger Stakes
Na this one just be phase. Play-offs no easy. Opponents go dey hard, expectations go high. But this display give hope say Nigeria fit shock people, fit deliver when game serious. If the boys maintain composure like tonight, handle chances well, no fear the pressure — the World Cup dream fit still come true.
The fans, the stadium, the crest on jerseys — all dem go remember this night. Osimhen go collect match ball, sure. But more than that, hope wan blaze inside hearts. As dem dey say, “No matter how far dark reach, morning go break.” For Nigeria now, na to prepare well, believe well, step into these playoffs with fire.
