At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening, Nigeria delivered their most complete performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign: a 4–0 demolition of Benin.
Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late strike ensured a fitting finale to the group phase, yet it was also a bittersweet evening.
Despite the emphatic victory, South Africa’s win over Rwanda meant the Super Eagles fell short of automatic qualification, finishing second in Group C and heading for the playoffs.
Still, the night offered plenty of reasons for optimism: from Osimhen’s return to form, to Eric Chelle’s impressive revival of the team’s spirit. Here are five key takeaways from the encounter.
1. Nigeria’s World Cup fate and Osimhen’s missed games
Victor Osimhen was electric in Uyo, scoring a superb hat-trick to lift Nigeria past Benin in their final World Cup qualifier.
Yet the irony of his brilliance was impossible to ignore: his absence in earlier matches ultimately cost the Super Eagles a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The Galatasaray striker has now scored 29 goals for Nigeria, moving within eight of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record. But he featured in only four of Nigeria’s ten qualifying fixtures, missing crucial ties against Benin (away) and South Africa (home and away) through injury.
Osimhen’s six goals in limited appearances showed just how much Nigeria rely on his presence.
In a tight group where South Africa edged qualification by a fine margin, a fully fit Osimhen across the campaign might well have made the difference between playoffs and automatic qualification.
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2. Nigeria lose out to South Africa despite convincing win
Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin was emphatic, but South Africa’s 3–0 triumph against Rwanda meant the Super Eagles still finished second in Group C. Eric Chelle’s side went into the final round aware that their fate wasn’t entirely in their hands.
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Even as Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal delighted the Uyo crowd, news filtered in from Mbombela that Bafana Bafana had already sealed top spot. Nigeria ended the group stage as runners-up with 17 points, just one behind South Africa, who advance directly to the World Cup.
The Super Eagles now face a longer route, through the playoffs, to keep their hopes alive. But considering where they were a few months ago, even this outcome speaks of a revival under new leadership.
3. Eric Chelle’s quiet revolution with the Super Eagles
When Eric Chelle took over, Nigeria were floundering in fifth place with only three points from their opening four games.
Since his appointment in March, the transformation has been impressive. The former Mali boss has guided Nigeria to four wins and two draws in his first six matches: unbeaten, with 14 points collected in that spell.
Chelle’s courage to make tough calls has earned respect. Resting captain William Troost-Ekong, reinstating Semi Ajayi, trusting young Benjamin Fredrick, and rewarding form over reputation have all paid off. He has rebuilt belief, improved tactical shape, and restored discipline.
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Had he been in charge from the start, Nigeria might already have booked their World Cup ticket. As it stands, his record demands that he continues beyond the qualifiers and leads Nigeria into the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
4. Nigeria secure a playoff spot
The 4–0 victory over Benin ensured Nigeria’s place among Africa’s best runners-up.
With a +7 goal difference and 15 points in the rankings, the Super Eagles climbed above Burkina Faso in the playoff standings. Only Gabon and Cameroon currently sit higher.
Even if DR Congo beat Sudan later tonight, Nigeria are well-placed to remain in contention for one of the available playoff slots. It’s not the direct route they hoped for, but it’s still a lifeline, one the Super Eagles will look to seize.
The performance in Uyo was dominant, clinical, and disciplined. It was also evidence that Nigeria’s attacking firepower, when Osimhen, Chukwueze, and Simon combine, can dismantle even compact defences. The next challenge is consistency on home soil, where points were lost earlier in the campaign.
5. Nigeria’s tactical identity taking shape under Chelle
Chelle’s team is starting to show a clear tactical identity.
Against Benin, the Super Eagles pressed aggressively from the front, used full-backs to stretch play, and looked dangerous from set-pieces. The decision to play with two natural wingers, Chukwueze and Simon, gave Osimhen the kind of service he thrives on.
The midfield balance, anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and supported by Alex Iwobi, offered both stability and vertical movement. The introduction of young defenders like Fredrick has brought fresh energy and composure. Chelle’s willingness to rotate intelligently, resting big names when necessary, is a mark of his growing authority.
If Nigeria are to navigate the playoffs successfully, maintaining this tactical rhythm will be crucial.
