By Lagos Panorama News Desk
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have stormed into the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
A stunning hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a fine strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the deal for Nigeria, who secured one of the four playoff slots reserved for the best second-placed teams across the continent.
With 15 points and a +7 goal difference, Nigeria locked down the third playoff position — a tally that cannot be overtaken.
The qualification format was reshaped following Eritrea’s withdrawal, which saw results against sixth-placed teams nullified. As a result, Nigeria lost two points earned against Zimbabwe but still finished above Burkina Faso and Niger.
Osimhen wasted no time in lighting up the encounter, striking in the third minute after a clever assist from Samuel Chukwueze. The duo combined again before halftime, with the Galatasaray striker powering home a header to double Nigeria’s lead.
The Super Eagles’ talisman completed his hat-trick in the second half with another deft header from a set piece, before Frank Onyeka’s thunderous volley rounded off the victory late on.
The result sees Nigeria finish second in Group C behind South Africa, who thrashed Rwanda 3–0 in Johannesburg to claim the group’s only automatic World Cup ticket.
Nigeria now joins Gabon, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso in the African playoffs — a tense final phase that will determine the continent’s remaining qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playoff Fixtures (Nov 13th)
Nigeria vs Gabon
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso / DR Congo
️ Venue: Morocco
With Osimhen leading the charge and the Eagles back to their best, Nigeria’s journey to the global stage remains very much alive.
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