“Like Maradona” – Victor Osimhen draws comparisons with two football greats after Benin hat-trick

Victor Osimhen’s explosive hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin Republic has drawn glowing comparisons to football icons Diego Maradona and Rashidi Yekini, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade led the chorus of praise, describing Osimhen’s display as ‘world-class' and symbolic of the forward’s evolution into a leader and inspiration for a new generation.

The Galatasaray striker was unplayable in Uyo, scoring three times to seal Nigeria’s place in the CAF playoff round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His movement, aggression, and hunger defined a performance that captured the imagination of both fans and former players.

Ugbade, who famously captained Nigeria to victory at the 1985 U-16 World Cup, said Victor Osimhen’s impact goes far beyond statistics.

“What Osimhen did against Benin is not just about goals; it’s about leadership, belief, and heart,” Ugbade said as per Sports247.

“He carries the team the same way Rashidi Yekini once did for Nigeria. That’s greatness. Great players make the impossible look easy. Osimhen is in that bracket. Like Yekini, like Maradona — he has that burning desire to win for his country.

“Every young player in Nigeria now wants to be like Osimhen — not just because of his goals, but because of his story and attitude.

“He represents resilience, hope, and passion.”

The veteran coach called for unwavering national backing as the Super Eagles approach the crucial playoff stage, insisting that the team has rediscovered its unity and belief.

“With Osimhen leading the line, qualification for the 2026 World Cup is within reach,” he added.

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Victor Osimhen: Rohr reflects on the star He discovered

Among those watching Victor Osimhen’s heroics with mixed emotions was Gernot Rohr, now Benin’s head coach, and the man who handed the striker his senior international debut.

“We tried, but when you have such a good player like Osimhen… I remember when I brought him into the team, he was 17, here in our first game against Tanzania,” Rohr said as per the Punch. 

“I’m very happy to see him like that, but I’m not happy he did it against me. But I hope he can do it in the playoffs for your country, which I love.”

Rohr’s side went into the match dreaming of a first-ever World Cup appearance, but Osimhen’s clinical finishing ended that ambition.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup with Benin for the first time in history,” Rohr admitted. “To win in Nigeria when Nigeria is also playing for the playoffs is something very difficult.”

CAF salutes ‘main man' Osimhen

Osimhen’s dominance did not go unnoticed even by the continent's number-one football body.

Can't spell Victory without Victor.

Mainman Osimhen comes clutch for Nigeria once again. ⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/KVbWEfvJOG

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 14, 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) lauded him on social media with a post that quickly went viral:

“Can’t spell Victory without Victor. Mainman Osimhen comes clutch for Nigeria once again. ⚽️⚽️⚽️”

The forward opened the scoring early after linking up with Samuel Chukwueze, doubled the lead before half-time, and completed his hat-trick with a header that struck the post before rolling in. Frank Onyeka’s late strike sealed a commanding win for Nigeria, who finished second in Group C behind South Africa.

With 29 goals in 44 appearances, Osimhen is now closing in on Yekini’s record of 37.