Osimhen Scores Hat-trick To Lead Nigeria To W’Cup Play-Offs

Victor Osimhen produced an impressive performance with a stunning hat-trick to lead Nigeria to a 4-0 win over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

The victory was enough to seal the team’s place in the play-off round of the World Cup qualifiers in November.

Eric Chelle made four changes to the team that defeated Lesotho 2-1 on Friday, dropping captain William Troost-Ekong to the bench for Semi Ajayi while Zaidu Sanusi replaced Bruno Onyemaechi in the left-back position.

In the midfield, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi retain their places alongside Moses Simon.

Samuel Chukwueze replaced the suspended Ademola Lookman, and Adams Akor was handed his full debut after scoring against Lesotho. Victor Osimhen led the line.

The Galatasaray forward ensured a glorious start for Nigeria with an early goal in the third minute.

He produced a clinical finish after a through pass from Samuel Chukwueze.

The former Napoli forward increased the lead with a thumping header from another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross to make it 2-0.

He completed his hat-trick with another stunning header six minutes into the second half.

Substitute Frank Onyeka scored the fourth goal of the game with a one-time volley to make it 4-0, sealing Nigeria’s place in the playoffs round.

South Africa earned a 3-0 win to finish top of the Group, picking the automatic ticket in the group.

The Super Eagles finished second with 17 points followed by Benin Republic in their with the same number of points, Nigeria edged the second spot due to a superior goal difference.