Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, calling him “the best striker in the world” following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Napoli star was in scintillating form, netting a superb hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to seal a dominant performance.
The win secures Nigeria’s place in next month’s CAF Playoff Tournament in Morocco, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.
“I’m so proud of my players,” Chelle said after the match. “They deserved this win. It wasn’t easy—new coach, new philosophy. But they played with heart.”
Chelle, who took over the Super Eagles midway through the qualifying campaign, was especially vocal in his admiration for Osimhen, who now boasts 29 goals in 44 international appearances, inching closer to breaking Rashidi Yekini’s legendary scoring record.
“I love him. He is the best striker in the world,” Chelle declared, drawing applause from reporters. “But I’m proud of every single player. Everyone brought something valuable tonight.”
“This is Just the Beginning”
While the result delighted Nigerian fans, Chelle cautioned that the hardest part lies ahead.
“This is not the end. This is just the beginning,” he said. “Now we go to Morocco. It will be very, very difficult. We have a lot of work to do.”
The coach also thanked the fans in Uyo for their passionate support, noting that their energy helped lift the team’s spirit and performance.
“They brought us the victory. They pushed us. They believed,” he said.
A Unified Squad with One Mission
Chelle emphasized the strong bond within the squad, describing the players as a family united by mutual respect, trust, and a shared love for the nation.
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“Sometimes I make mistakes, but we win together, we lose together,” he added. “This is a team that fights for Nigeria, no matter what.”
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria will now head to Morocco from November 13–16 for the CAF Playoff Tournament — a four-nation showdown that determines Africa’s remaining representatives in the intercontinental playoffs.
There, successful teams will battle contenders from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas for one of the final tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
