Nigeria 4-0 Benin: Five observations from Super Eagles' convincing victory against Cheetahs

The Super Eagles cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin on Tuesday in Uyo.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late goal to seal the emphatic win for Nigeria.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game

Eric Chelle makes four changes

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made four changes to the squad that earned a narrow 2-1 win over Lesotho last Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Malian tactician handed starting roles to Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Akor Adams, and Samuel Chukwueze in the victory against Benin in Uyo.

The trio replaced Bruno Onyemaechi, William Troost-Ekong, Tolu Arokodare, and the suspended Ademola Lookman.

Osimhen moves eight goals closer to Yekini's record

Victor Osimhen took a major step toward equalling Rashidi Yekini's all-time Super Eagles scoring record after netting a hat-trick in Nigeria's 3-0 triumph over Benin.

The Galatasaray striker was in sensational form, scoring twice in the first half and adding another after the break to seal the crucial win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Osimhen's treble lifted his international tally to 29 goals, just eight shy of Yekini's record of 37, the highest in Nigeria's football history.

Chukwueze, Sanusi pick up knocks

Nigeria's comfortable win over Benin on Tuesday came at a cost, with Samuel Chukwueze and Zaidu Sanusi both suffering injury concerns.

Chukwueze, who registered two assists in the first half to help Nigeria take a commanding lead, was withdrawn at halftime after appearing to pick up a knock, sparking worries about his fitness.

Similarly, left-back Zaidu Sanusi was carried off in the second half and was replaced by Bruno Onyemaechi after sustaining an apparent injury.

Playoff spot secured 

With the emphatic victory, Nigeria's are assured of a playoff spot, regardless of the outcome of the meeting between DR Congo. 

The Super Eagles finished second in Group C with 17 points, securing their place among the best runners-up in the qualifying series.

Nigeria now sit third in the overall runners-up ranking, having accumulated 15 points from eight matches with a goal difference of +7.

Steve Mounie neutralized by Super Eagles defence

Benin captain Steve Mounie was kept quiet throughout the encounter as the Super Eagles' defensive duo of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi effectively contained his threat.

Mounie, who had been in fine form during the qualifiers and vowed to score again against Nigeria, struggled to make any meaningful impact in the match.

The striker had earlier found the net in the first leg, when the Cheetahs recorded a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Ivory Coast.

Adeyemi Adewale

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