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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on his players following the team’s commanding win over Benin Republic.
The West Africans thrashed Gernot Rohr’s side 4-0 in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick, while substitute Frank Onyeka netted the fourth deep into stoppage time.
The Super Eagles secured a place in the playoffs following the victory.
Chelle said the team can now focus on competing in the playoffs.
“I am very happy for my players, especially the best striker in the world, Victor,” Chelle told a press conference.
“Now we go to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult. This is the start, and I am proud of everyone, even the fans, because they pushed us.”
The top four runners-up from the continent will face each other in a mini-tournament in November 2025.
So far, only Gabon and Cameroon have confirmed qualification alongside Nigeria.
The FIFA playoffs tournament will see six countries compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
It will involve two teams from CONCACAF and one team each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.
The four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semi-finals, while the two highest-ranked sides will advance directly to the finals.
The winners of the two bracket finals will secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria’s Line-up vs Benin Republic: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Fredrick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Semi Ajayi, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Akor Adams, 21. Calvin Bassey.
Substitutes are: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.
As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
As of 14 minutes into the game, ball possession is Nigeria 58% and Benin 42%. While both teams are on one short on target each.
In the 22 minutes, Osimhen almost converted the cross made to him in the box, but unfortunately was defended by a calm Beninoise defender.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubles the lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box. It is now 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
