Victor Osimhen Powers Nigeria To World Cup Playoffs

Victor Osimhen powered the Super Eagles of Nigeria to the World Cup playoffs thanks to a hat-trick of goals against the Republic of Benin.

The Galatasaray forward scored three times in the make or mar encounter to send the Eagles to the playoffs.

Frank Onyeka came off the bench to add a fourth for the Eric Chelle led side and thus, send them to the playoffs in November.

Nigeria finish the group phase on seventeen points from ten games, recovering from a poor start to secure their spot in the playoffs.

Samuel Chukwueze found Osimhen with a through ball in the 3rd minute for a sweet finish past the Beninoise goalkeeper.

The Fulham winger was on hand again in the 37th minute as he swung in a cross which found Osimhen in the box to double the lead.

Moses Simon then set up the Galatasaray forward up for a third before repeating the trick, this time for substitute Frank Onyeka to complete the rout.

Nigeria will play either Cameroon or Gabon in the playoffs depending on the outcome of DR Congo’s match against Sudan.

Meanwhile, South Africa have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the 3-0 win over Rwanda, making a deserved return 16 years after their last participation.

Fully aware that victory alone would not be enough, Bafana Bafana approached their task in Mbombela with determination and purpose and they delivered in emphatic fashion.