The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a resounding 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday evening to book their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
Victor Osimhen, who was the star of the night with a sensational hat-trick in Uyo, has climbed to second place on Nigeria’s all-time goalscorers’ chart, taking his tally to 29 goals in 43 appearances for the national team.
The Napoli striker is now just eight goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s legendary record of 37 goals in 62 matches, which has stood for more than two decades.
Osimhen’s first came just three minutes into the match after a clever pass from Samuel Chukwueze.
He doubled the lead in the 37th minute with a powerful header and completed his hat-trick early in the second half from a Moses Simon free-kick.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal in stoppage time to seal the comprehensive win.
The result confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the playoffs and reignited optimism among fans.
Osimhen’s form has placed him within striking distance of the country’s greatest ever goal tally.
Below is the latest ranking of the Super Eagles’ highest goal scorers as of October 2025:
Rashidi Yekini — 37 goals [62 games]
Victor Osimhen — 29 goals [43 games]
Segun Odegbami — 23 goals [46 games]
Yakubu Aiyegbeni — 21 goals [57 games]
Ikechukwu Uche — 19 goals [46 games]
Obafemi Martins — 18 goals [48 games]
Sunday Oyarekhua — 17 goals [28 games]
Samson Siasia — 16 goals [51 games]
Odion Ighalo — 16 goals [37 games]
Ahmed Musa — 16 goals [109 games]
