South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena has described Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen as his “Greatest of All Time,” following the Super Eagles striker’s sensational hat-trick in Tuesday’s 4–0 win over Benin Republic.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, Mokoena praised the Galatasaray forward with a brief but emphatic post: “My GOAT.”

His teammate, Khuliso Johnson Mudau, also joined in the admiration, calling Osimhen “a phenomenal player” after the Nigerian led his side to a dominant victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo — a result that sealed Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs.

Osimhen struck just three minutes into the game, finishing neatly from a Samuel Chukwueze assist, before heading in his second in the 37th minute. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half, converting a free-kick from Moses Simon with precision. Frank Onyeka later added a stoppage-time goal to complete the rout.

With the win, Nigeria finished among the top four best second-placed teams in Africa’s qualifying series, boasting 15 points and a +7 goal difference.

Mokoena’s comments carried extra weight, as South Africa also booked their World Cup ticket the same night after defeating Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela. Talente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evides Makgopa were on target as Bafana Bafana topped Group C with 18 points — one ahead of Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The qualification marked a strong comeback for Mokoena, who had earlier been suspended during the campaign. His red card against Lesotho in March led to a FIFA sanction that cost South Africa three points and three goals.

Despite that setback, the team rallied, with Mokoena proving vital in their later fixtures.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) praised Osimhen’s performance, describing him as Nigeria’s “main man” after his three-goal display. The 26-year-old forward now has 29 international goals, just eight behind the country’s all-time top scorer, the late Rashidi Yekini.