Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen breathed life back into the Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, earning high praise from head coach Eric Chelle, who boldly called him “the best striker in the world.”

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread, but Victor Osimhen stepped up once again when it mattered most, scoring a stunning hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Benin Republic.

It was a night of redemption for Nigeria and one of pure dominance for Osimhen. The Super Eagles wasted no time setting the tone at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with Osimhen opening the scoring just three minutes in.

Benin tried to fight back but struggled to contain Osimhen’s energy and movement. Minutes before half-time, he doubled the lead with a towering header.

When the second half began, the 25-year-old striker completed his hat-trick with ruthless precision, sealing his status as the night’s undisputed star.

Nigeria’s late push for more goals paid off when substitute Frank Onyeka struck a thunderous volley deep into stoppage time, giving the Super Eagles a commanding 4-0 win and a real chance of advancing through the playoffs.

After the final whistle, coach Eric Chelle was full of emotion as he praised both his players and the fans for their spirit. But it was Osimhen who received the highest praise.

“I am very happy for my players, especially the best striker in the world, Victor [Osimhen],” Chelle told reporters after the match.

“Now we go to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult. This is the start and I am proud of everyone and even the fans because they pushed us.”

Up next, the Super Eagles face the daunting CAF playoff stage, where they will battle the likes of Cameroon, Gabon, and either DR Congo or Burkina Faso for a spot at the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs.