Victor Osimhen is the Gift that keeps Giving as he Fires Super Eagles into World Cup Playoff Hunt [WATCH]

By Michael Ehindero
The Super Eagles secured a vital victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium yesterday, defeating Benin and keeping their FIFA World Cup dreams alive, though they will have to navigate a tricky playoff route.



Needing to overturn a three-point deficit and a two-goal disadvantage against group leaders Benin, Nigeria seized control before the break, establishing a crucial two-goal lead thanks to a brace from star striker Victor Osimhen.


Osimhen Hat-Trick Fired the Super Eagles into Playoff Hunt as the Galatasaray forward, who was the subject of intense European club interest last summer, completed his stunning hat-trick just six minutes into the second half, momentarily settling Nigerian nerves.


However, it wasn't until Frank Onyeka's injury-time strike that the home crowd could breathe a collective sigh of relief, confirming the result needed to put them back in contention.


Despite the impressive performance, Nigeria failed to clinch the automatic qualifying spot and will now be forced to compete in the demanding CAF playoffs. The Super Eagles are one of the three best second-placed teams across the nine first-round groups, setting up a challenging route to the global showpiece.




These best runners-up will face a knockout format, playing semi-finals and a final, with the overall winner progressing to the FIFA inter-confederation playoff. This provides a potential 10th African World Cup berth. The second round of CAF qualifying matches for this stage is scheduled to take place between November 10-18.

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