The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced their best performance of the qualifying campaign, thrashing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–0 in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, but the emphatic victory was not enough to earn them an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A superb hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka earned Nigeria a convincing victory in their final Group C match, but it was not enough to top the group, as South Africa also won 3–0 against Rwanda to claim the sole automatic ticket.
With the result, South Africa finished first with 18 points, while Nigeria ended second with 17 points — a tally that still gives the Super Eagles a strong chance of qualifying for the World Cup play-offs as one of the best runners-up.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the encounter, racing through the Beninese defence to slot home. The Galatasaray striker doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a precise header eight minutes before halftime, after another fine assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
Chukwueze was replaced at halftime following an injury, but Moses Simon filled the void impressively, setting up Osimhen for his third goal to complete a memorable hat-trick.
However, with South Africa cruising past Rwanda in Johannesburg, Nigeria still needed another goal to secure their playoff berth based on goal difference. That decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute, when Moses Simon dribbled to the byline and lofted a perfect cross that Frank Onyeka volleyed home to seal a 4–0 win.
The result boosted Nigeria’s goal difference above that of Burkina Faso, runners-up in Group A, placing the Super Eagles in third position among all second-placed teams. This virtually assures them of a playoff spot even if DR Congo defeats Sudan later on Tuesday.
Benin Republic had started the day on top of Group C, eyeing a first-ever World Cup appearance, but their hopes were dashed by a resurgent Nigerian side that delivered when it mattered most.
CAF Playoffs
Only four of the nine second-placed African teams will advance to the playoffs after Matchday 10. The seeding for the draw will be based on the FIFA World Rankings to be released on October 23, 2025.
The top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked, while the second and third-ranked sides will meet in the other semi-final.
Venue and Schedule
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
According to a circular signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the semi-finals will be played on November 13, 2025, while the final will take place on November 16, 2025, both in Morocco.
The winner of the mini-tournament will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, where they will compete against teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF for a place at the World Cup.
