The Super Eagles produced a commanding performance in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, defeating Benin Republic 4-0 in style. Despite the emphatic win—powered by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a late Frank Onyeka strike—Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a 3-0 victory over Rwanda in the other Group C fixture, topping the table and clinching the automatic ticket to the World Cup. The Super Eagles, however, claimed one of the best second-place spots and will advance to the playoffs in Morocco this November.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, latching onto a precise through ball from Samuel Chukwueze before calmly slotting past the Benin goalkeeper. He doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, rising high to head home another fine delivery from Chukwueze.
The Napoli striker completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, connecting perfectly with a well-taken set piece from Moses Simon. The Super Eagles maintained their attacking intensity, and substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the victory in the 90th minute, firing in from another Simon assist.
After ten rounds of matches, South Africa finished top of Group C with 18 points, narrowly edging out Nigeria and Benin, who both ended with 17 points. Lesotho placed fourth with 12 points, followed by Rwanda (11 points) and Zimbabwe (5 points).
While the Super Eagles will be disappointed to have missed automatic qualification, their dominant display against Benin offers renewed hope as they prepare for the crucial playoffs in Morocco.
