Kwankwaso, Others React as Osimhen-Led Nigeria Defeats Benin, Set to Secure World Cup Playoff Spot
- Victor Osimhen shined as Nigeria thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14, to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive through the playoffs
- Despite the emphatic win, the Super Eagles missed out on automatic qualification as South Africa sealed top spot in Group C with a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Johannesburg
- Mallam Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other Nigerian politicians reacted following the West African giant's important victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering global sports.
Uyo, Akwa Ibom state - Notable Nigerian politicians like Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sunday Dare have expressed their delight after the Super Eagles delivered a fantastic performance on Tuesday evening, October 14.
Legit.ng had reported how the Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 4–0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Source: Twitter
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, netting a sensational hat-trick to lead Nigeria to victory. The star striker opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, converting a sharp pass from Samuel Chukwueze after a swift attacking build-up.
Osimhen, the Galatasaray of Turkey goalpoacher, struck again in the 37th minute, once more assisted by Chukwueze, doubling Nigeria’s lead before halftime. He completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, to make it 3–0.
Frank Onyeka came off the bench to round off the scoring in the 90th minute, firing home a composed finish to seal an emphatic win for the visitors.
The dominant result pushes Nigeria into the playoff round of the African qualifiers, a key step toward securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States (US), Canada, and Mexico.
Source: Facebook
Plaudits for Super Eagles
Reacting to the Nigerian team's victory, Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle:
“Fair play, @NGSuperEagles. Now we wait for the playoff permutations.”
In the same vein, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare tweeted:
“Congratulations Super Eagles on a superlative performance. It’s not over yet until it’s over!”
For federal lawmaker Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, he posted:
"Kudos to the Super Eagles. We did not have to be here but we must continue to be hopeful and optimistic. Victor Osimhen has reiterated what we have known for a long time. He is up there with the best strikers in the world. We also need prime Ademola Lookman and the Fulham version of Alex Iwobi. We are lucky to have him and we must do all we can to keep him fit. Where there is life there is hope. We remain optimistic of being in America, Mexico and Canada for the greatest tournament in the globe. We cannot miss two World Cups in a row. Keep going Éric Chelle."
Expert predicts Nigeria vs Gabon clash
Meanwhile, sports broadcaster, Hassan Odunayo, is tipping the Super Eagles to beat Gabon in the crucial 2026 world cup play-off game in November.
Speaking to Legit.ng, Odunayo said Eric Chelle’s men now have a second chance at making it to the mundial following a poor start to the qualifying series.
She said:
"A lot went wrong at the start of the qualifiers, but now, with the passion and determination the team has shown, you can see they understand what it means to play at the world cup.
“The players have shown commitment, and I believe that drive will take them through.”
Read more on Super Eagles of Nigeria:
- Nigeria’s all-time scorers’ list as Victor Osimhen closes in on Rashidi Yekini's record
- “Thank you, Eric Chelle”: Fans react as Super Eagles beat Benin Republic 4–0 in 2026 WCQ
CAF hails Osimhen
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) applauded Osimhen following his breathtaking hat-trick in the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory against Benin Republic in their final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
CAF took to social media to salute Osimhen’s brilliance.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
