Eric Chelle Hails Victor Osimhen as “World’s Best Striker” After Hat-Trick Heroics Against Benin

Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has described Victor Osimhen as “the best striker in the world” following the forward’s stunning hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Benin Republic in their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 14, 2025.

The emphatic win in Uyo not only revived Nigeria’s qualification hopes but also reignited national pride in a player whose meteoric rise continues to define African football excellence.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle — visibly elated — lauded Osimhen’s relentless energy, intelligence, and leadership, crediting him for setting the tone of the match early with his third-minute opener. “Victor is not just a striker; he’s a force of nature. His hunger, work rate, and precision make him the best forward in world football right now,” Chelle declared. “Every team dreams of a player like him — one who carries the hopes of a nation with grace and grit.”

Osimhen’s brilliance on the night was a reminder of his elite form even beyond the national team. Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the 26-year-old has already scored 11 goals in 10 appearances this season, continuing the same blistering form that earned him 26 Serie A goals in Napoli’s 2022-23 title-winning campaign — their first Scudetto in over three decades. His combination of aerial dominance, instinctive finishing, and fearless physical play has made him a nightmare for defenders and a national icon for millions of Nigerians.

The performance against Benin, capped by Frank Onyeka’s stoppage-time goal, marked Nigeria’s most complete display of the qualifiers so far, lifting them to second place in Group C and securing a playoff slot. For Osimhen, it was another step in a journey that began on the streets of Olusosun, Lagos, where he sold bottled water as a child before breaking into football through the Ultimate Strikers Academy and dazzling at the 2015 U-17 World Cup.

The post by @NigeriaStories, which shared clips of his goals and Chelle’s glowing tribute, quickly went viral, drawing tens of thousands of likes and comments celebrating Osimhen’s evolution from humble beginnings to global stardom. “From Lagos traffic to world class — Osimhen is our pride,” one user wrote, while another added, “Europe underrates him, but Africa knows his value.”

Despite interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Osimhen’s focus appears undistracted. He told reporters after the game, “I just want to keep giving my best for Nigeria. The dream is to take this team back to the World Cup — that’s all that matters right now.”

As Nigeria prepares for the playoff round, Osimhen’s leadership and form will be pivotal in determining whether the Super Eagles can return to the global stage for the first time since 2018. And with performances like this, it’s little wonder Eric Chelle and millions of fans across the continent see him not just as a superstar — but as Africa’s answer to world football’s greatest forwards.

— BusterBlog.com | Sports & National Pride