Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a high, winning back-to-back games for the first time since the start of the campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles battled past Lesotho with a 2–1 win before thrashing Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo. These results restored faith and revived the team’s chances of reaching the World Cup.
Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria displayed renewed purpose and brought to an end a difficult qualifying run that had tested the patience of many Nigerian football fans.
Victor Osimhen led by example, Samuel Chukwueze was at his creative best, and the rest of the squad responded with good energy and discipline.
Nigeria 4–0 Benin
Osimhen salvages Nigeria’s World Cup hopes with a hat trick against Benin Republic in Uyo. #NGABEN pic.twitter.com/vquuiHnkyv
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 14, 2025
The two victories boosted Nigeria’s points tally and revealed several noteworthy details that exposed the progress made within the team.
Eight hidden facts from those decisive encounters
1. Nigeria’s first consecutive World Cup qualifying wins in the 2026 campaign
The victories over Lesotho and Benin marked the first time Nigeria managed to win two qualifying matches in a row since the start of the 2026 World Cup campaign—a timely response after a string of inconsistent results earlier in the group stage.
2. Osimhen’s first hat-trick in two years
Victor Osimhen reminded fans of his brilliance by scoring his first hat-trick for Nigeria since 2023. The Galatasaray striker’s treble against Benin took his international tally to 29 goals, closing in on the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37.
3. Six goals in the 2026 qualifiers for Osimhen
Osimhen’s hat-trick brought his total to six goals in the qualifying series, making him Nigeria’s top scorer in the campaign.
4. Chukwueze’s creative touch continues
Samuel Chukwueze registered two assists across the two matches, taking his assist tally for Nigeria to five. His improved decision-making and chemistry with Osimhen proved vital in breaking down defences.
5. Onyeka ends nearly two-year scoring drought
Midfielder Frank Onyeka found the back of the net for the second time in his international career, scoring against Benin—almost two years after his last goal against Mozambique in 2023 (1 year and 364 days apart).
6. Olakunle Olusegun’s first competitive goal for Nigeria
Winger Olakunle Olusegun marked his breakthrough with his first-ever competitive goal for the Super Eagles.
7. Moses Simon reaches three assists in the qualifiers
Moses Simon, who is one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers, added two assists to his tally, making it three in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
8. Terem Moffi’s first appearance of 2025
Terem Moffi returned to the national setup, making his first appearance for Nigeria in 2025. The last time he featured for Nigeria was Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to the Benin Republic where he played for 51 minutes.
While there’s still work to be done ahead of the playoffs, the performances against Benin and Lesotho showed the Super Eagles’ true potential to fight till the very end.