Nigeria boosted their World Cup qualification hopes with a resounding 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday night, sealing a spot in the playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The Super Eagles delivered one of their finest performances of the campaign, inspired by Victor Osimhen’s sensational hat-trick, before Frank Onyeka completed the rout in the closing moments. Osimhen wasted no time putting Nigeria ahead in the third minute, slotting home from a clever Samuel Chukwueze assist. The Napoli forward doubled the lead midway through the first half, rising to nod in another pinpoint cross from Chukwueze. While Benin attempted to fight back, Nigeria maintained firm control. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made key saves, and defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel ensured the visitors found no breakthrough. Osimhen completed his treble in the 51st minute with a calm finish, effectively sealing the game and reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s elite strikers. Substitutes Olakunle Olusegun and Terem Moffi injected more pace into the attack as Nigeria pressed for more goals. Benin’s faint hopes of a comeback faded as they struggled to convert their limited chances, and their misery deepened in the 90th minute when Frank Onyeka added a fourth after a dazzling run and cross from Moses Simon. With the emphatic win, Nigeria finishes second in Group C and advances to the playoff stage, keeping alive their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.