The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 4-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday night. Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players in the game.
Stanley Nwabali 6/10
The goalkeeper put up a respectable display in the game. An improved outing from the previous clash with Lesotho.
Benjamin Fredrick 7/10
The young defender really has a big future ahead of him. He was up to the challenge of the Cheetahs forwards.
Semi Ajayi 7/10
Ajayi was booked for a rash challenge on the Benin Republic goalkeeper, Saturnin Allagbe in the second half. A good display from the centre-back.
Calvin Bassey 7/10
He was at his usual best in the game. One of Nigeria’s top performers on the night.
Zaidu Sanusi 7/10
The left-back put up a commanding display on the night. He was replaced by Bruno Onyemaechi 15 minutes from time.
Wilfred Ndidi 7/10
The Besiktas midfielder captained the team on the night. Ndidi was solid in the middle of the park.
Read Also:2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Maul Benin 4–0, Qualify For Playoffs; South Africa Clinch World Cup Ticket
Alex Iwobi 6/10
Iwobi started the game brightly but fizzled out afterwards.
Samuel Chukwueze 7/10
The winger provided two assists in the first half. He was replaced by Olakunle Olusegun after the break.
Moses Simon 7/10
Took time before getting into the groove. The Paris FC winger registered two assists in the second half
Jerome Adams 6/10
Not really at his best in the game. He was replaced in the 74th minute by Frank Onyeka.
Victor Osimhen 9/10
He further enhanced his reputation as the team’s talisman by scoring a hat-trick.
Substitutes
Olakunle Olusegun 4/10
He didn’t contribute much following his introduction early in the second half.
Bruno Onyemaechi 5/10
Helped solidify the defence after replacing Zaidu Sanusi 16 minutes from time.
Frank Onyeka 5/10
Scored the crucial fourth goal that confirmed the team’s place in the playoffs.
Tolu Arokodare 3/10
A cameo appearance for the forward. He had little time to prove his mettle.
Terem Moffi
Not Rated
12 Comments
So what’s the rating for Osimhen? What kind of reporting is this?
Osihmen is rated bro..
Osimhen is rated 9/10 bit it should’ve been 10/10.
Well said, but giving him 10/10 means that he didn’t miss or made any mistake in the match. 9/10 is okay.
All the fuss and attention currently is around players like Osimhen and Frederick, and deservedly so. These two have been hugely impressive in our recent games.
But I want to single out another player who has impressed the heck out of me. Sam Chukwueze.
I used to be a critic of this lad. And this is my reason.
In the past, when he was younger at Villareal, his pace was his major weapon, and he used it to terrorize teams, notably including Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga. Then for whatever reason, he became predictable and ineffective, hence my criticism. But the new Chukwueze has adapted his game. Instead of pace and dribbling, his new weapons are quick, intelligent passes and quality deliveries into the box.
I have to say, I’m loving this new game of Chuks. I’m loving it like McDonalds. PA RA PA PA PA!
From the Unity Cup to his recent games, Chuks has been eye catching with his performances. His new game reminds me of the Romanian legend Gheorge Hagi, the so called Maradona of the Carpathians.
Hagi was also left footed, and the hallmark of his game was incisive passes and quality deliveries into the box. Hagi also scored goals, spectacular goals. Goal scoring is perhaps the area Chuks can improve on.
At the Unity Cup, his deliveries into the box were so good, he was entrusted with all the freekicks. And yesterday against Benin, that cross that Osimhen headed in….WOOOW! That is the definition of a quality delivery. That is the kind of cross strikers dream about at night. And what about that pass to Osimhen for the opening goal? That pass can make Xavi and Iniesta green with envy. The old Chuks would have tried to dribble his way through, and because he was so predictable, he would have been stopped. But the new Chuks used a quick, intelligent pass to split open the Benin defense, giving Osimhen an open route to goal. His new weapons make him even more dangerous, in my opinion. This is why his assist numbers have jumped for the SE. Hopefully, Chuks will keep this up.
Marco Silva, shine your eyes! You have a huge weapon at your disposal. Use him!
I also want to commend another player I have criticized profusely recently. Moses Simon was decent yesterday. His two assists are commendable, and his work rate was good. When Lookman becomes available, he will likely start on the left wing, and Chuks for me has to start on the right. So Simon will have to come from the bench.
The Osimhen and Akor partnership worked well. Both helped each other. Osimhen would have struggled on his own, as he usually does, But Akor’s presence freed up space for him. Akor is physical and energetic, and is a handful for defenders, so they have to pay attention to him, which gives Osimhen a bit more time and space to maneuver. And Osimhen’s presence provides the same benefit to Akor. Between them, these two have grabbed four goals in the last two games. Long may this continue!
As the playoffs are around the corner, one can only hope the SE will approach those games with the same intensity and focus that they played the Benin game. I also hope the CHRONIC DEBTORS NFF will for once get their act together and get the planning and logistics right, so the team gets adequately prepared for the crucial matches ahead. Wish them all the best!
Chukwueze is far better than other wingers in Africa. Heaven bless Chukwueze and all deserving Super Eagles players .
Heaven bless Pompei and all fearless Keyboard Warriors.
Lmao..I don’t know what’s all the noise about?
Hahahaha That a 6th placed African ranked team(Nigeria) with high profile names… With so much depth..And an all European based players playing in some of the biggest league defeated an average 20th ranked team (Benin Republic) with two key players missing…lmao
No like what’s really the noise about….
Lmao An established super eagles team that even if you give my secondary school games prefect then to coach he will still defeat benin republic
Omo some of you have inferiority complex issues honestly….
E no go better for ur generation.
He does not worth your statement, let him be.
Hi Monkey, the man from Tolotolo league delivered again. The team struggles without him. As it stands, no Osimhen, no Eagles. If you are sad to hear that, go and hug that nearby transformer.
I think federics benjamin deserves more credits than he is been given. The lad has been a consistent high class performer in all his games for nigeria. Fast, strong and intelligent. From cetre back to right back..he has performed very well. . He has a very bright future ahead of him if he remains focused. He seem very grounded and not one to talk much IMO. These are qualities that would help him manage fame.
My boss I tell you, one can say our defense is for now no longer an issue. With full house, I will prefer Ajayi, Bassy, Fredrick, the captain, Ola, Osie, Sanusi and Agu.
The captain permanently on the bench, either of Fredrick/Ajayi and Bassy for 5/6. Ola 2 and either Sanusi/Agu for 3, of which the other will come in for second half