SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has described Victor Osimhen as the No.1 centre forward in the world after the Galatasaray star’s stunning hat-trick against Benin Republic.

Osimhen scored three goals to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-0 victory in Uyo yesterday, which sealed the side’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs.

Chelle, whose tenure has seen a turnaround in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying fortunes after they had failed to win any of their first four matches, expressed pride in his players’ commitment to the cause.

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

The African play-offs are scheduled for Morocco in November, with Nigeria contesting with Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the sole ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico in March.

“Now we go to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult,” Chelle added.

“This is the start and I am proud of everyone and even the fans because they pushed us.”

Osimhen, 26, has now scored 29 goals in 44 appearances for the Super Eagles.