UYO, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria kept its 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a commanding 4–0 win over Benin on Tuesday, securing a place in the CAF playoff stage of the African qualifiers.
Victor Osimhen delivered a standout performance, netting a clinical hat trick to lead the Super Eagles to one of their most dominant displays of the qualifying campaign. Frank Onyeka added a late goal to cap off a comprehensive victory in front of home supporters in Uyo.
The hosts opened the scoring inside three minutes, with Osimhen latching onto a clever through ball from Samuel Chukwueze and finishing low past the goalkeeper. The Galatasaray forward doubled the lead in the 37th minute, rising highest to head in another pinpoint Chukwueze cross.
Benin struggled to respond despite creating a few half-chances, but Nigeria’s backline—anchored by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi—remained solid, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was alert when called upon.
Osimhen completed his hat trick six minutes into the second half, calmly slotting home after a set-piece delivery from Moses Simon. The goal took his tally to seven in the qualifying campaign and further confirmed his status as one of Africa’s elite strikers.
Super Eagles manager José Peseiro introduced Terem Moffi and Olakunle Olusegun late on to maintain attacking pressure, and the substitutes injected renewed energy into the final third.
Benin, who entered the match still mathematically in contention for a playoff spot, failed to take advantage of the few chances they had. Their hopes were extinguished in stoppage time when Onyeka made it 4–0, tapping in after a brilliant run and assist from Simon.
The result moves Nigeria into second place in Group C with 17 points, edging out Benin on goal difference. South Africa, who defeated Rwanda earlier in the day, secured the group’s automatic qualification spot with 18 points.
Nigeria now advances to the playoff stage, where they will compete for one of CAF’s final spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
