Osimhen Runs Riot as Eagles Thrash Benin 4 – 0

If yesterday’s 4–0 demolition of Benin in Uyo were a movie, it would have been the final act twist, Victor Osimhen starring in a lead role, delivering a stunning hat-trick just when everyone thought the story was over. But as the credits rolled, the reality hit: Nigeria will still have to go through the playoffs. The win was brilliant, the performance electric, but South Africa’s simultaneous victory over Rwanda meant the top spot and an automatic World Cup ticket slipped away.

Before kickoff, the stakes were crystal clear. Nigeria needed not just a win but a miracle elsewhere. In Uyo, they handled their business in style, fast, ruthless, and confident, while South Africa, miles away, made sure there’d be no surprises. Their 3–0 win earned them 18 points and first place in Group C. Nigeria and Benin both finished on 17, but the Super Eagles edged ahead on goal difference. It was enough to keep the dream alive, but not enough to seal it.

Still, what a night it was. Osimhen set the tone early, scoring in the third minute to put Benin on the back foot. His second came before halftime, a towering header that screamed authority and belief. When he completed his hat-trick after the break, the stadium erupted; this was the Osimhen fans had been waiting for. Then, in stoppage time, Frank Onyeka added a thunderous finish to make it four. The crowd could finally breathe, singing, cheering, waving flags, for the first time in a while, there was joy again.

But even in celebration, a quiet frustration lingered. The players knew South Africa’s result meant they’d be taking the longer road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That’s football, sometimes you can do everything right and still fall just short. Yet, if there’s one thing this match proved, it’s that the Super Eagles still have bite.

Now, all eyes turn to the playoffs. Nigeria will have to face other group runner-ups, each hungry for redemption and a chance at football’s biggest stage. The path ahead won’t be easy, one bad day could end it all. But if the Eagles can replicate the hunger, teamwork, and confidence they showed in Uyo, they’ll stand a real chance. Osimhen’s form will be key, but so will composure and tactical discipline. Every minute will matter.

For fans, the feeling is bittersweet. The 4–0 victory reminded everyone what this team is capable of, and gave us something we hadn’t felt in a while: hope. It may have come a little too late, but as long as there’s a playoff to play, the dream isn’t dead. The Eagles just need to keep flying high, stay sharp, and believe. Because in football, miracles don’t announce themselves, they happen when belief meets brilliance.

For now, we breathe, we smile, and we hope. The road to 2026 just got longer, but at least Nigeria is still on it, and after that Uyo masterclass, no one’s giving up just yet.