LIVE UPDATES: Nigeria 3 vs Benin 0 — Another Osimhen’s Header Denied by the Cheetah’s Goalkeeper

The Super Eagles are locking horns in a decisive 2026 World Cup qualification against the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

In a post on Super Eagles X’s handle on Tuesday, the Eagles announced four changes from their previous win over Lesotho, with Wilfred Ndidi named captain for the game.

The Nigeria Football Federation also confirmed that Moses Simon will make his 85th international appearance, while Victor Osimhen partners Akor Adams in attack.

“Four changes from our win over Lesotho. Ndidi leads the team tonight. Simon makes his 85th appearance. Osimhen partners Akor Adams up front,” the post read.

Nigeria’s Line-up vs Benin Republic: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Fredrick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Semi Ajayi, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Akor Adams, 21. Calvin Bassey.
Substitutes are: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.

As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.

The Cheetahs of the Benin Republic are also pushing for an equaliser in the 12th minute of the match, but the attack was stopped by Calvin Bassey.

As of 14 minutes into the game, ball possession is Nigeria 58% and Benin 42%. While both teams are on one short on target each.

In the 22 minutes, Osimhen almost converted the cross made to him in the box, but unfortunately was defended by a calm Beninoise defender.

In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubles the lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box. It is now 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.

The Egyptian referee who serves as the first official for the game has added five minutes of extra time.

Benin Republic began the kick off into the second half to put pressure on the Super Eagles.

Osimhen, again, again and again. The Super Eagles forward hit a hat-trick in the 51st minute.

The Super Eagles come knocking on the Cheetahs’ door again in the hunt for a fourth goal, but the effort was wasted by Wilfred Ndidi in the 68th minute.