The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a stunning 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday night, boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the play-offs even though they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification.
A brilliant hat-trick from Victor Osimhen, combined with a late strike from Frank Onyeka, sealed the win in Uyo.
But despite the emphatic result, Nigeria finished second in Group C with 17 points, one behind South Africa, who secured top spot and the automatic ticket with a 3–0 win over Rwanda.
While the Super Eagles won’t go directly to the World Cup, they are now in strong contention to feature in the CAF play-offs, which would determine the continent’s final representative in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Nigeria wasted no time asserting control, with Osimhen breaking through Benin’s defense just three minutes in to fire home the opener.
The Napoli striker doubled the lead before halftime with a powerful header, following a perfect assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
Despite Chukwueze being withdrawn due to injury, substitute Moses Simon stepped up with a pinpoint cross for Osimhen to complete his hat-trick in the second half, earning him the match ball.
The fourth goal and perhaps the most crucial came in the dying moments.
Simon once again turned provider, sending in a floated delivery that Frank Onyeka volleyed home to seal the result and elevate Nigeria’s goal difference above Group A’s runner-up Burkina Faso.
With four out of nine group runners-up set to qualify for the CAF playoffs, Nigeria’s second-place finish and healthy goal difference place them in a favourable position.
Only a shock result in another group could potentially alter their status.
CAF has confirmed that the mini play-off tournament would take place in Morocco, with semi-final matches on November 13, 2025, and the final on November 16.
The winner of that tournament would go on to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
According to CAF, FIFA Rankings, due out on October 23, will determine seeding:
1st-ranked vs 4th-ranked
2nd-ranked vs 3rd-ranked
It was a night of heartbreak for Benin, who entered the match in pole position but collapsed under Nigeria’s intensity.
The Cheetahs were chasing a first-ever World Cup qualification, but their hopes were dashed by a clinical Nigerian side led by Osimhen at his finest.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles shift focus to the playoffs with renewed determination — spurred by the message of support from President Bola Tinubu, who earlier urged the team to “keep hope alive” ahead of the clash.
“We came out fighting, and we’ve given ourselves another chance .
“Now we focus on finishing the job in Morocco, ”said coach Jose Peseiro after the match.
