The Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a convincing 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, netting a brilliant hattrick to inspire the Nigerian side to a resounding win. The prolific forward opened the scoring midway through the first half before adding two more goals in the second, effectively sealing the contest and lifting Nigeria into contention for the global showpiece.
Samuel Chukwueze also added his name to the scoresheet, capping off a dominant performance by the Super Eagles, who played with renewed energy and determination under pressure to qualify.
The victory ensures that Nigeria finishes as one of the four best second-placed teams in the CAF qualification series, securing a playoff spot that brings them closer to earning a ticket to the 2026 World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking after the match, head coach Eric Chelle praised his players for their discipline and attacking flair, noting that the result reflected their hard work and resilience throughout the qualifiers.
“The boys showed great character tonight. We knew what was at stake, and they delivered when it mattered most. Our focus now shifts to the playoff round, we are not there yet, but this is a big step forward,” Chelle said.
Fans at the Uyo stadium erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew, chanting Osimhen’s name and waving Nigerian flags in jubilation. The win also helped restore confidence among supporters after a string of inconsistent results earlier in the campaign.
The Super Eagles will now await the official confirmation of their playoff opponents as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) finalizes standings across other groups. The playoff matches are expected to be held by November.
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