Osimhen found the net in the 3rd, 37th, and 51st minutes of the encounter.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria thrashed the Benin Republic 4-0 in their final World Cup qualifying match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria entered the final fixture needing a convincing win, having kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2–1 triumph over Lesotho last weekend.
They began brightly against Gernot Rohr’s side, with Victor Osimhen finding the net within the opening three minutes.
The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead with a header just before half-time, as the Eagles took firm control of proceedings in Uyo.
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Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the second half, before Frank Onyeka added a late fourth with a well-struck volley.
Nigeria after producing arguably their best performance in the qualifier confirmed a place as one of the four best runners-up.
Meanwhile, South Africa claimed top spot in the group with a 3-0 win over Rwanda.
Goals from Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha ensured Hugo Broos’ side did their job and booked a first World Cup finals appearance since 2010 – when they hosted the tournament.
