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Nigeria have qualified for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs, following their 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles cruised to a convincing win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, thanks to a sublime hat-trick from Victor Osimhen.
Frank Onyeka added a crucial fourth goal, boosting Nigeria’s goal difference as they finished among the best runners-up from Africa.
The top four runners-up from the continent will face each other in a mini-tournament in November 2025.
So far, only Gabon and Cameroon have confirmed qualification alongside Nigeria.
The FIFA playoffs tournament will see six countries compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
It will involve two teams from CONCACAF and one team each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.
The four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semi-finals, while the two highest-ranked sides will advance directly to the finals.
The winners of the two bracket finals will secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria’s Line-up vs Benin Republic: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Fredrick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Semi Ajayi, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Akor Adams, 21. Calvin Bassey.
Substitutes are: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.
As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
As of 14 minutes into the game, ball possession is Nigeria 58% and Benin 42%. While both teams are on one short on target each.
In the 22 minutes, Osimhen almost converted the cross made to him in the box, but unfortunately was defended by a calm Beninoise defender.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubles the lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box. It is now 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
The Egyptian referee who serves as the first official for the game has added five minutes of extra time.
Benin Republic began the kick off into the second half to put pressure on the Super Eagles.
Osimhen, again, again and again. The Super Eagles forward hit a hat-trick in the 51st minute.
