World Cup Qualifiers: Tinubu, Obi, Atiku React as Nigeria Heads to Playoff After Seeing Off Benin
- Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick 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
- President Bola Tinubu and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar 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 - President Bola Tinubu congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic.
According to a statement on Tuesday night, October 14, by Bayo Onanuga
special adviser to the president (information and strategy), the Nigerian leader commended the Eagles for keeping the nation's hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Twitter
The president praised the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians' football pride.
He said:
"While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.
" The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.
"As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government's support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.
"We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage."
In the same vein, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the Super Eagles' victory as "sweet".
He said via a statement he signed:
"Dear Super Eagles, thank you for this beautiful evening of superlative soccer and a sweet victory to make the country proud."
Similarly, presidential hopeful Peter Obi posted on X:
"Congratulations to our Super Eagles
"Today, my day started very early at 6am, and after a very hectic day of participating in 5 different events of commissioning and campaigning in Anambra State, I had to watch the Super Eagles game.
"I watched with so much confidence and pride, and it was such a brilliant and sweet victory against the Benin Republic. The performance was really Super showing that it's possible.
"You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork.
"Well done, Super Eagles."
Legit.ng had reported how the Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 4–0 on Tuesday, October 14, in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Source: Instagram
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, netting a sensational hat-trick to lead Nigeria to victory. The 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.
Football expert analyses Super Eagles' chances
Meanwhile, a sports analyst, Femi Fabunmi, tasked the Super Eagles to give their full efforts in the upcoming CAF play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA world cup in Morocco.
Fabunmi told Legit.ng:
"Super Eagles have been presented another opportunity to get a shot at featuring at the world cup through the play offs route. It's a difficult route but it is still better than nothing. Now we play Gabon in the first match and will proceed to play the winner between Cameroon and DRC. Should the Eagles succeed, they would have to play international playoffs.
"They coaching bench must have noticed some mistakes which they will try to correct going forward.
"This second opportunity I believe will be adequately utilised. And I pray we sail through both continental and inter continental plays off for us to get the ticket.
"The more difficult route is the African playoffs. Once success is achieved, then we may beat our chest and say we have made to the world cup."
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
