Super Eagles secured a spot in the playoff for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after a 4-0 win over Benin Republic in their final game of the qualifiers with Victor Osimhen scoring a hattrick, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Osimhen’s hattrick was followed by a late goal from Frank Onyeka which ensured that Nigeria finished second in their group, and also picked up one of the four slots allocated to best second place teams among all the groups.
We rate the players who represented Nigeria in the big win.
Stanley Nwabali – Largely untroubled and had nothing to do by way of making saves. He however slowed down the attack of the team with his time wasting antics with scores not yet at the level of securing a playoff spot for Nigeria…..7/10
Benjamin Fredrick – Another game and another top notch performance from the young defender. Dealt nicely with everything that came his way and for now he has cemented his spot in the defence of the team…..8/10
Zaidu Sanusi – Marked his return to the starting lineup with an all round performance. A huge upgrade on Bruno Onyemaechi. Picked up a knock that led to his substitution…..8/10
Semi Ajayi – Won everything in the air and had a 100 percent tackle rate success. Brought calm, stability and ball distribution to the defence…..8/10
Calvin Bassey – As it stands he is undroppable. In all of the games under Eric Chelle he hasn’t put a foot wrong. Strong, quick and a good passer of the ball. He was at his best today…..8.5/10
Alex Iwobi – Had a mixed performance based on his standard but didn’t let it affect him as he ensured that he helped the team in defence and also in transition…..7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Guilty of giving the ball away in the first half cheaply. A better second half performance was part of why Nigeria got the needed goals to make the playoff…..8/10
Moses Simon – A game to remember for the Paris FC man. A pin point delivery to Osimhen helped Nigeria scored the third goal of the game, and he was on hand again to supply the assist for the fourth goal which effectively sealed Nigeria’s spot in the playoff…..9/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Picked two vital assists in the game by setting up the first two of Osimhen’s three goals. His best performance in a Super Eagles shirt in a long while. Sadly it was cut short by a knock that led to his substitution…..8/10
Jerome Akor – Dropped down deep to link play for Osimhen and put in a very good shift. Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet. Looks like he has come to stay…..7/10
Victor Osimhen – The emperor, the conqueror and the lion. A five star performance capped with his hattrick. Two headers and a smart finish was enough to set Nigeria on the path to the win that gave them a play off spot…..10/10.
Substitutes:
Tolu Arokodare – Failed to match the tempo of the game and didn’t quite get into the flow…..5/10
Frank Onyeka – Brought energy, drive and capped it with the fourth goal that took Nigeria to the playoff…..7/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – A much better showing than in the previous two games…..6/10
Terem Moffi – Played a role in the all important fourth goal. That was his only major contribution in the game and it isn’t enough to get a rating.
