Nigeria’s dream of returning to the FIFA World Cup remains alive after a dominant 4-0 win against Benin Republic. The win secured their spot in the CAF Playoff Tournament for the 2026 World Cup. Victor Osimhen was the star of the night as he netted a stunning hat-trick.
His heroics have propelled Nigeria past his former coach Gernot Rohr’s Benin side. The result in Uyo ensured that the Super Eagles finished as one of the four best runners-up in African qualifying. They narrowly edged Burkina Faso on goal difference.
Osimhen’s early opener came just two minutes into the match, followed by two more clinical finishes before the hour mark. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka completed the rout in stoppage time. He rifled home from a Moses Simon cross to seal Nigeria’s playoff qualification.
The win, however, was not enough to claim automatic qualification. South Africa’s 3-0 win against Rwanda in Mbombela saw Bafana Bafana top Group C and book their ticket to North America. Meanwhile Nigeria finished second. They ended the campaign with 15 points and a goal difference of +7, edging Burkina Faso’s +6 to clinch a playoff berth.
Also Read: England Become First European Team to Qualify for the World Cup 2026
Nigeria will now compete in the CAF Playoff Tournament in Morocco between November 13 and 16. They will join Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo. The semi-final matchups are determined by FIFA’s world rankings. The highest-ranked team faces the lowest.
Based on the latest standings, Nigeria, currently ranked 45th in the world, will face Gabon, ranked 79th. It will be a one-legged semi-final on November 13. Cameroon and DR Congo will meet in the other semi-final. The winners will clash in the final three days later, on November 16.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Creates History: Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Qualifiers
That match will decide who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico next March. There, Africa’s sole representative will compete against Bolivia, New Caledonia, and other teams from Central America and Asia for two remaining World Cup spots. Nigeria missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Hence, they will be determined to make amends. Osimhen’s current form could be decisive for that. He is now just nine goals away from Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record. With their attacking prowess rediscovered, the Super Eagles have put themselves in position to make one last push for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
soccer 
