'Give credit' - Former African POTY gushes over Onyeka's stunning volley against Benin

Frank Onyeka ensured the Super Eagles booked their place in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers continental playoffs, set to take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16, with a sensational 90th minute strike in their 4-0 rout of the Republic of Benin on Tuesday evening.

Heading into the final whistle and unbeknownst to many, Nigeria were on the brink of elimination based on the runners-up ranking, but Onyeka's late volley, converting a cross from Moses Simon, sealed victory and secured qualification to the playoffs for the three-time African champions.

With Nigeria needing a goal to confirm their playoff spot, manager Eric Chelle made a bold decision, introducing the Brentford midfielder in place of the ineffective Akor Adams.

The substitution in the 74th minute initially raised eyebrows, but it ultimately proved decisive.

Onyeka justified Chelle's faith, timing his run perfectly into the box before firing home emphatically to cap off Nigeria’s dominant performance in Uyo and reignite their hopes of a return to the World Cup.

The goal has been widely shared on social media, with fans, analysts and even the Nigeria Football Federation hailing his impeccable timing and control.

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba could not hide his admiration for Onyeka's technique and execution, describing the strike as one of the finest goals in recent outings by the Super Eagles.

"It's a technically brilliant goal. You have to position your body, the cross from Simon was beautiful,” Ikpeba said in a SuperSport broadcast monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"It's the type of goal a striker wants to score. Give credit to the midfielder, Onyeka, he bends his leg and body perfectly and slots it in."

Onyeka's stunning goal against Benin ended his goal drought for the Super Eagles, his first since netting in a friendly against Mozambique in October 2023. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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