Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka sealed the win with a late goal that ensured Nigeria leapfrogged Benin to finish second in Group C.
Benin, who began the day at the top of the table, needed to avoid a heavy defeat to secure qualification but were completely overrun by the dominant Super Eagles.
However, despite Nigeria’s emphatic win, their qualification fate still hangs in the balance. South Africa’s 3–0 victory over Rwanda in Nelspruit saw them overtake Benin and finish top of the group — claiming the automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
What Next for Nigeria?
With only group winners qualifying directly, Nigeria will now enter the CAF runners-up play-off stage.
All second-placed teams across Africa will be ranked according to FIFA’s ranking system, and the top four will progress to the play-off semi-finals.
The semi-finals will see the highest-ranked team face the lowest-ranked, while the second-highest meets the second-lowest. The two winners will then contest a final to determine Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off, where one last World Cup ticket will be up for grabs.
Despite missing direct qualification, the Super Eagles’ dominant display has reignited hopes that they can still make it to the 2026 World Cup through the play-offs.
