Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday night thrashed the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo, a commanding performance that virtually sealed their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs — but fell short of an automatic qualification.
Despite the emphatic victory, South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda in Johannesburg ensured that the Bafana Bafana retained the top spot in Group C with 18 points, leaving Nigeria second with 17 points.
Victor Osimhen was the undisputed hero of the night, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the Super Eagles, while Frank Onyeka’s late strike in the 90th minute confirmed Nigeria’s passage to the playoff stage as one of the best runners-up.
The encounter began with a blistering start as Osimhen put Nigeria ahead in just the third minute, racing past Benin’s backline to slot home a composed finish.
The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead minutes before halftime, connecting brilliantly with Samuel Chukwueze’s cross to head home the second goal.
Chukwueze, however, was substituted at halftime due to injury, paving the way for Moses Simon to join the attack.
The Nantes winger quickly made an impact, assisting Osimhen to complete his hat-trick with a sublime pass that split the Beninese defence.
With the game firmly in Nigeria’s control, Frank Onyeka sealed the win with a stunning volley in stoppage time, sending fans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium into wild celebration.
The fourth goal proved crucial as it pushed Nigeria’s goal difference above that of Burkina Faso — a result that boosted the Eagles into third place among the best second-placed teams in the CAF qualifying series.
The win ensures Nigeria will be among the four best second-placed teams to feature in the CAF World Cup playoff tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco between November 13 and 16, 2025.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the mini-tournament will see the top four runners-up battle for one slot to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
In the playoff format, the highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other semi-final. The winners of both matches will meet in a final to decide who advances to the intercontinental stage.
Following the victory, President Bola Tinubu urged the team not to relent, encouraging them to “keep hope alive” ahead of the playoffs.
Similarly, team captain William Troost-Ekong reaffirmed the players’ determination to qualify for the World Cup, saying: “We want to be at the World Cup. This win shows what we are capable of when we play together.”
Benin Republic, who entered the match leading the group and dreaming of a historic first World Cup appearance, saw their hopes dashed by a ruthless Nigerian side that dominated all departments of the game.
Coach Eric Chelle’s men were left stunned as their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Osimhen’s pace and Nigeria’s relentless pressure.
With 17 points from 10 matches, Nigeria’s destiny now lies in the playoff stage — a final chance to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
CAF has confirmed Morocco as host for the playoff tournament, with matches scheduled for November 13 (semi-finals) and November 16 (final).
The eventual winner will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs against teams from Asia, South America, Oceania or CONCACAF for a ticket to the global showpiece.
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