The Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a resounding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
A sensational hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka sealed Nigeria’s qualification, ensuring the team finished among the four best second-placed sides in the African qualifying series.
With the result, Nigeria climbed to third among the playoff qualifiers and is mathematically uncatchable, securing one of the coveted spots for the next stage.
The path to the playoffs was determined after Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualification campaign, which led to the subtraction of results against sixth-placed teams across all groups. For Nigeria, this meant losing two points earned against Zimbabwe, who finished bottom of Group C.
Despite the adjustment, the Super Eagles ended with 15 points and a +7 goal difference, finishing ahead of Burkina Faso and Niger in the playoff rankings.
The evening in Uyo belonged to Victor Osimhen, who delivered a captain’s performance worthy of Nigeria’s footballing pedigree. The Napoli striker opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing calmly after a clever through ball from Samuel Chukwueze.
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage just before halftime with a towering header, once again assisted by the lively Chukwueze. He completed his hat-trick midway through the second half, expertly flicking home a header from a well-taken free kick to send the home fans into raptures.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal late in the game, slotting home from close range after a defensive mix-up by the Beninese side.
The commanding victory reaffirmed Nigeria’s resurgence after a mixed qualifying campaign and underlined the team’s determination to return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen dedicated his goals to Nigerian fans and teammates, saying the team’s focus is now on securing World Cup qualification in the playoff round.
“We came here with one mission — to qualify — and we did it together as a team,” Osimhen said. “This is for the fans and for every Nigerian who believes in us. The job isn’t done yet, but we’re ready for the next challenge.”
With momentum on their side and their star striker in top form, the Super Eagles will now await the official draw for the CAF World Cup playoffs, where they will battle for one of Africa’s tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.