By Frank Ulom
UYO (CONVERSEER) – The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to reach the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria went into the game knowing that only a win could guarantee them a leg in the finals in the Americas next summer. However, they will have to go through a series of qualification play-offs to seal a final spot.
The Super Eagles started on a bright note, when Osimhen opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, beautifully slotting Samuel Chukwueze’s through ball past the Cheetahs’ goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou.
The Galatasaray goal poacher added a second in the 37th minute, heading home Chukwueze’s Cross from the corner flag.
Osimhen capped his performance with a hat-trick, meeting Moses Simon’s free-kick with a diving header which went in off the post in the 51st minute.
Nigeria put the final sword on Benin after substitute Frank Onyeka hit a rocket from Simon’s cross in the 90+1 minutes after good footwork at the byline.
The game ended Nigeria 4-0 Benin Republic.
SEE ALSO: LIVE MATCH: Nigeria Vs Benin | FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The win dashed Benin Republic’s hopes of qualifying – despite coming into the final match day top of Group C. They only needed a draw.
Nigeria, on the other hand, could not secure an automatic qualification following South Africa’s 3-0 win over Rwanda.
Other countries that made it to the play-offs are Gabon (16 points + 4 goals), Cameroon (15 points + 9 goals), Nigeria (15 points + 7 goals) and Burkina Faso (15 points + 6 goals). This follows deductions from points garnered through low-ranking teams.
The first qualification play-off will take place in Morocco in November.
African countries automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
1. Morocco
2. Tunisia
3. Algeria
4. Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
5. Egypt
6. Ghana
7. South Africa
Group C standing after match day 10
1. South Africa – 18 points (6 goals)
2. Nigeria – 17 points (7 goals)
3. Benin Republic – 17 points (1 goal)
4. Lesotho – 12 points (-3 goals)
5. Rwanda – 11 points (-4 goals)
6. Zimbabwe – 5 points (-7 goals)
