Nigeria produced one of their finest performances in recent years as the Super Eagles thrashed Benin Republic 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, securing a place in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A stunning hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka ensured Nigeria ended their Group C campaign in emphatic fashion, silencing Gernot Rohr’s Benin side, who had entered the final round of fixtures as group leaders.
Heading into the match, both sides were under pressure. The Cheetahs needed an outright win to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, while the three-time African champions required victory and favourable results elsewhere to keep their qualification hopes alive.
From kickoff, Nigeria made their intentions clear. The Super Eagles pressed high and attacked with intensity, and it paid off early when Samuel Chukwueze set up Osimhen for the opener in the third minute sparking wild celebrations among the home fans in Uyo.
The Galatasaray striker doubled the advantage in the 37th minute with a towering header from another Chukwueze assist, leaving the Beninese defence completely outclassed.
After the break, Benin attempted to regroup, but their efforts were swiftly crushed. Just six minutes into the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick, reacting quickest to a Moses Simon free-kick that ricocheted off the bar before crossing the line.
As the visitors pushed forward in search of a consolation goal, Nigeria struck again in stoppage time. Substitute Frank Onyeka calmly slotted home from another Simon assist to seal a 4-0 rout and a night to remember for the fans at the Nest of Champions.
The victory lifted Nigeria to 17 points, just three behind group winners South Africa, who secured direct qualification after defeating Rwanda 3-0.
According to a 9am News report, Nigeria now await official confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to determine the final list of four best runners-up advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs.
The play-offs, scheduled to take place in Morocco, will feature four teams competing for one intercontinental slot. The fixtures will be determined by the FIFA World Rankings released on October 23, 2025, with the top-ranked side facing the lowest-ranked, and the second-highest meeting the third.
This result marks a strong statement of intent from the Super Eagles, who now look poised to fight for a place at the global showpiece in 2026
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