Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their CAF Group C World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note with a dominant 4–0 win over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening.
A brilliant hat-trick from Osimhen and a stoppage-time strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic victory, ensuring Nigeria finished second in the group and progressed to the interconfederation playoffs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé after connecting with a precise through ball from Samuel Chukwueze. The early goal lifted the home side, who dominated possession and created several chances through Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
The Napoli striker doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, leaping above his marker to head home another cross from Chukwueze. Benin, who began the match at the top of Group C, were outclassed and struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attack.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes after the break, heading in Simon’s curling free-kick that bounced off the bar before crossing the line. The goal marked his fifth of the qualification campaign and further underlined his status as Nigeria’s key attacking weapon.
Benin’s best effort came from Aiyegun Houtondji in the first half, whose shot from a tight angle struck the side netting. However, their push for a comeback faltered against a disciplined Nigerian defence led by Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal in stoppage time, finishing off a low cross from Simon to send the home crowd into raptures. The result meant Nigeria ended the group stage with 17 points—three behind South Africa, who secured direct qualification with a 3–0 victory over Rwanda in Johannesburg.
Despite the convincing win, Nigeria’s qualification is not yet guaranteed. The team must now await confirmation from CAF to determine if they will be among the four best second-placed sides to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs for the final slots at the 2026 World Cup.
For Benin, the defeat marked a painful end to their qualification campaign, dashing hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance.
Nigeria’s victory was met with celebration across Uyo, as fans waved flags and sang long after the final whistle—hopeful that the Super Eagles’ journey to the World Cup is far from over.
