Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has heaped praise on Victor Osimhen after the striker delivered a sensational hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Osimhen dominated at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, powering Nigeria into the playoff round and boosting hopes of securing a place at the World Cup.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed admiration for the Napoli star, calling him the key figure behind the team’s qualification push.

“Our World Cup dream is still alive,” Mikel said. “Despite everything happening with the FA — the negativity, the corruption — those two games against Lesotho and Benin Republic were must-wins, and the boys delivered.”

Mikel highlighted Osimhen’s crucial role, stressing that the forward consistently rises to big moments.

“Victor Osimhen has single-handedly kept us alive,” he continued. “In one of the biggest games, he stepped up and scored a hat-trick. When the pressure is on, the big boys step up — and he’s the big boy in that team right now. We all need him.”