IDNN Sports Desk
Super Eagles Crush Benin 4–0 in Uyo to Secure CAF Playoff Spot
UYO ERUPTS AS CHELLE’S BLUEPRINT DELIVERS
The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced one of their most entertaining performances in years, dismantling Benin Republic 4–0 at the UYo Stadium to secure passage to the CAF playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Eric Chelle’s men entered the clash under immense pressure — trailing Benin by three points and needing both victory and favorable results elsewhere. Yet, by the final whistle, the narrative had flipped completely. Uyo roared, Osimhen reigned, and Hope rekindle
🇳🇬 Nigeria 4–0 Benin Republic (Uyo, October 14, 2025)
Goals: Osimhen 3’, 37’, 51’; Onyeka 90+1’
⚙️ TACTICAL MASTERCLASS: CHELLE’S BALANCED 4–4–2
Chelle deployed a structured 4-4-2 anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in midfield, with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze stretching play on the flanks. Young Benjamin Fredrick’s composure at right-back and Calvin Bassey’s leadership at centre-half ensured control from the back.
- Starting XI: Nwabali (GK); Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey, Zaidu; Ndidi (C), Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon, Akor Adams; Osimhen.
- Substitutes: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.
From kickoff, Nigeria’s intent was unmistakable. Within three minutes, Chukwueze slipped Osimhen through with a threaded pass, and the Galatasaray striker finished clinically.
The pair combined again in the 37th minute — Chukwueze’s whipped cross met by a towering Osimhen header for 2–0. Six minutes into the second half, Simon’s curling free-kick struck the bar, and Osimhen reacted fastest to nod in his third.
Frank Onyeka, introduced late, sealed the rout with a composed strike in stoppage time after a slick Simon assist.
🧩 BENIN’S UNRAVELING UNDER ROHR
Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs — desperate for a historic qualification — folded under sustained Nigerian pressure. Benin started with a defensive 4-4-2:
- Line-up: Dandjinou (GK); Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Kiki; C. Hountondji, Dokou (Amoussou 67′), Imourane, Tosin (Dossou 67′); Mounie, A. Hountondji (Olaitan 56′).
Their midfield was caught napping under the pressure from Ndidi, Iwobi, and the irrepressible Osimhen, while the flanks repeatedly exposed Ouorou and Kiki. Rohr’s reactive substitutions came too late; the damage had been done.
📊 MATCH STATISTICS
- Possession: Nigeria 52% – Benin 48%
- Shots (on target): 8 (5) – 6 (2)
- Pass Accuracy: 84%
- Set-piece Goals: 2
- Clean Sheets: 1 (Nwabali)
🗣CHELLE’S COMMAND AND OSIMHEN’S STATEMENT
This was more than a win — it was a declaration. Under Eric Chelle, and Osimhen’s incredible will to win, and infect his team mates with the same mentality, Nigeria rediscovered tactical and attacking synergy unseen since the golden generation.
Osimhen, now joint top-scorer in the qualifiers, reaffirmed his leadership:
“We owed this to the fans. Everyone fought for the shirt today,” he said post-match.
Chelle, calm and calculated, called it a good execution .”
“The goal was clarity — structure, confidence, and balance. The boys executed perfectly,” he said.
🌍 THE ROAD TO MOROCCO
Nigeria’s 17 points lift them among the four best runners-up heading to the CAF playoffs in Morocco (November 10–18, 2025). The draw, based on FIFA’s October rankings, will pair the Eagles against one of Cameroon, Gabon, or Burkina Faso in the semifinals.
The playoff winner will advance to the FIFA inter-confederation playoff, battling for one of Africa’s potential tenth World Cup tickets to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
⚖️ THE SOUTH AFRICA RIPPLE
Elsewhere, Hugo Broos’ South Africa secured top spot in Group C after a 3–0 triumph over Rwanda, sealing direct World Cup qualification. Nigeria’s late surge means both teams may yet meet again on the road to America 2026 — but only if Chelle’s Eagles finish the miracle in Morocco.
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