The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a resounding 4–0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Tuesday. Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group C behind South Africa.
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, netting a superb hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the dying minutes to seal the win. However, South Africa’s 3–0 victory over Rwanda ensured they topped the group with 18 points—just one ahead of Nigeria’s 17.
With the result, Nigeria is virtually assured of a place among the four best second-placed teams, earning a berth in the CAF World Cup play-offs scheduled for November.
Dominant Display from a Resurgent Nigeria
It was arguably Eric Chelle’s side’s best performance of the qualifying campaign. Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes in, racing through Benin’s defense to slot home the opener.
The Galatasaray striker doubled Nigeria’s lead eight minutes before halftime with a well-placed header, once again set up by Samuel Chukwueze’s inch-perfect cross.
Chukwueze was substituted at halftime due to injury, but his replacement, Moses Simon, proved just as influential—providing the assist for Osimhen’s third goal and completing the Napoli striker’s hat-trick.
Despite the commanding display, Nigeria still needed one more goal to edge ahead of Burkina Faso in the second-place rankings. That moment arrived in the 90th minute, when Simon dribbled to the byline and delivered a lofted cross that Frank Onyeka smashed home with a stunning volley.
Onyeka’s strike sent the fans into raptures and ensured Nigeria’s superior goal difference over Group A’s runners-up, effectively sealing their play-off position.
Benin’s Dream Ends, Nigeria Marches On
Benin entered the final matchday top of Group C, eyeing a historic first World Cup qualification. But their hopes evaporated against a revitalized Nigerian team that delivered precisely when it mattered most.
Play-Off Details and Format
Only the four best second-placed teams from the nine CAF groups will advance to the play-offs. The seeding will be determined by FIFA’s October 23, 2025 rankings, with the top-ranked team facing the fourth, and the second meeting the third.
CAF has confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the play-offs. According to a circular issued by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the semi-finals will take place on November 13, 2025, followed by the final on November 16, 2025.
The eventual winner will move on to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, where they will face opponents from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF for a spot in the FIFA World Cup.
