‘My GOAT’: South African Stars Hail Osimhen After Hat-Trick Heroics

South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena has hailed Victor Osimhen as his “GOAT” — Greatest of All Time — after the Nigerian striker’s dazzling hat-trick against the Benin Republic on Tuesday.

Mokoena took to social media on Wednesday to celebrate the Galatasaray forward, posting a simple but powerful message: “My GOAT.”

His teammate, Khuliso Mudau, also joined in the admiration, describing Osimhen as “What a player,” following Nigeria’s dominant 4–0 win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, finishing neatly from Samuel Chukwueze’s assist, before doubling the lead in the 37th minute with a commanding header. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half, converting Moses Simon’s free-kick with trademark precision. Frank Onyeka later added a fourth to seal the emphatic victory.

The result secured Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, finishing among the best four second-placed teams in the African qualifiers with 15 points and a +7 goal difference.

Mokoena’s praise came on a night of double joy for South Africa, who also booked their World Cup ticket after a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela. Goals from Talente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa sealed top spot in Group C with 18 points, just one ahead of Nigeria and Benin (17 points each).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also lauded Osimhen’s performance, describing him as “Nigeria’s main man” after his three-goal display.

Osimhen’s hat-trick took his international tally to 29 goals, just eight shy of Nigeria’s all-time record held by Rashidi Yekini.