The performance from the Super Eagles against Benin Republic in the final World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, October 14 has attracted several responses from Nigerians including those from the political class.

Joining the long list is former presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare hailed the team for a performance that keeps their qualification to the World Cup alive.

Recall the Super Eagles defeated Benin by 4–0 with striker Victor Osimhen being the star of the game.

The Galatasaray forward netted a sensational hat-trick to lead Nigeria to victory. The star striker opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, converting a sharp pass from Samuel Chukwueze after a swift attacking build-up.

He struck again in the 37th minute, once more assisted by Chukwueze, doubling Nigeria’s lead before halftime.

He completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, to make it 3–0. Frank Onyeka came off the bench to round off the scoring in the 90th minute, firing home a composed finish to seal an emphatic win for the visitors.

The dominant result pushes Nigeria into the playoff round of the African qualifiers, a key step toward securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States (US), Canada, and Mexico.

Reacting to the Nigerian team's victory, Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle: “Fair play, @NGSuperEagles. Now we wait for the playoff permutations.”

Fair play, @NGSuperEagles.

Now we wait for the playoff permutations… - RMK

— Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (@KwankwasoRM) October 14, 2025

In the same vein, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare tweeted: “Congratulations Super Eagles on a superlative performance. It’s not over yet until it’s over!”

Congratulations Super Eagles on a superlative performance. It’s not over yet until it’s over! ! @GbengaGOLD @ShehuDikko pic.twitter.com/kMPr6lUy6H

— Sunday Dare,CON (@SundayDareSD) October 14, 2025

For federal lawmaker Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, he posted: "Kudos to the Super Eagles. We did not have to be here but we must continue to be hopeful and optimistic. Victor Osimhen has reiterated what we have known for a long time. He is up there with the best strikers in the world. We also need prime Ademola Lookman and the Fulham version of Alex Iwobi. We are lucky to have him and we must do all we can to keep him fit. Where there is life there is hope. We remain optimistic of being in America, Mexico and Canada for the greatest tournament in the globe. We cannot miss two World Cups in a row. Keep going Éric Chelle."

Kudos to the Super Eagles. We did not have to be here but we must continue to be hopeful and optimistic. Victor Osimhen has reiterated what we have known for a long time. He is up there with the best strikers in the world. We also need prime Ademola Lookman and the Fulham version… pic.twitter.com/snRv7PasQA

— Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (@B_ELRUFAI) October 14, 2025