Osimhen’s Hat-trick Fires Nigeria Past Benin, Inches Closer to Yekini’s All-time Record
The Super Eagles of Nigeria cruised into the African playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday evening in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen was the undisputed star of the night, netting a brilliant hat-trick that lifted him to second place on Nigeria’s all-time goal scorers’ chart with 29 goals in 43 appearances for the national team.
The Napoli striker now sits just eight goals behind the late Rashidi Yekini’s legendary record of 37 goals in 62 matches, a benchmark that has stood for over two decades.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, slotting home after a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze. He doubled the lead in the 37th minute with a powerful header, before completing his hat-trick early in the second half, connecting smartly to a Moses Simon free-kick.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in stoppage time, capping off a flawless performance and sealing Nigeria’s place in the next round of qualifiers.
The emphatic win reignited hope among fans, as the Super Eagles continue their push toward the 2026 World Cup.
Osimhen’s electric form now places him within touching distance of Yekini’s iconic record — a feat many believe could soon be rewritten.
Nigeria’s All-time Top Goal Scorers (as of October 2025)
- Rashidi Yekini — 37 goals (62 matches)
- Victor Osimhen — 29 goals (43 matches)
- Segun Odegbami — 23 goals (46 matches)
- Yakubu Aiyegbeni — 21 goals (57 matches)
- Ikechukwu Uche — 19 goals (46 matches)
- Obafemi Martins — 18 goals (48 matches)
- Sunday Oyarekhua — 17 goals (28 matches)
- Samson Siasia — 16 goals (51 matches)
- Odion Ighalo — 16 goals (37 matches)
- Ahmed Musa — 16 goals (109 matches)
— Report by Bankole james Dare
