South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena has publicly praised Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) following Osimhen’s impressive performance in the recent World Cup qualifiers. Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, took to social media to express his admiration after Osimhen scored a hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin Republic.
Match Highlights: Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Seals Victory
Victor Osimhen showcased his world-class talent by scoring three goals to lead Nigeria to a dominant victory. He opened the scoring just three minutes into the match after combining effectively with Samuel Chukwueze. Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 37th minute with a precise header from another Chukwueze cross. He completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half by capitalizing on a free-kick from Moses Simon. Midfielder Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal the comprehensive win.
Implications for African World Cup Qualifying
With this result, Nigeria finished as one of the best second-placed teams in the African qualifiers, accumulating 15 points and boasting an impressive goal difference of +7. Meanwhile, South Africa also secured their place in the World Cup by defeating Rwanda 3-0 in Mbombela. Goals from Talente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evides Makgopa ensured they topped Group C with 18 points, one point ahead of Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Mokoena’s Personal Triumph Amid Controversy
Teboho Mokoena’s praise for Osimhen came after a period of personal and professional challenge. Earlier, FIFA had stripped South Africa of three points after ruling that Mokoena was ineligible to play in their March 21 match against Lesotho. Despite this setback, the 27-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in helping Bafana Bafana recover and secure qualification. It is worth noting that if Benin Republic had managed to defeat the Super Eagles in Uyo on Tuesday, South Africa would have failed to secure an automatic qualification to the World Cup.
Other Notable News in African Football
In related news, Akor Adams stated he is living his dream and also praised Osimhen. Additionally, Semi Ajayi has been suspended for the upcoming Gabon clash, and former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideje has warned about the “Osimhen problem,” implying over-reliance on the star striker. Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi commented on both Eric Chelle and Osimhen, while Steve Yago criticized CAF and FIFA after Nigeria beat Burkina Faso to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also issued a warning to Nigeria ahead of their upcoming World Cup playoff clash.
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