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Osimhen scored a hat-trick as Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in Uyo.
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South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda denied Nigeria automatic qualification.
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Super Eagles will now seek World Cup qualification through playoffs in Morocco.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a dominant 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo, with Victor Osimhen netting a spectacular hat-trick, but the win was not enough to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that despite the emphatic performance at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, South Africa maintained their lead in Group C with an impressive 3–0 win over Rwanda in Johannesburg, finishing top of the group with 18 points. Nigeria ended second with 17 points, falling just one point short of the automatic qualification spot.
Osimhen opened scoring for Nigeria in the third minute after a smart assist from Samuel Chukwueze. The Galatasaray forward struck again in the 37th minute, converting another fine delivery from Chukwueze to double the lead. He completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error to make it 3–0.
Midfielder Frank Onyeka sealed the victory with a late strike in stoppage time, wrapping up what initially appeared to be a perfect night for the Super Eagles. However, the joy in Uyo quickly faded when news broke that South Africa had defeated Rwanda, confirming Nigeria’s second-place finish.
According to the final standings, South Africa recorded five wins, three draws, and two losses, while Nigeria finished with four wins and five draws from ten matches. Benin Republic also ended the campaign with 17 points but trailed Nigeria on goal difference.
Despite missing out on automatic qualification, Nigeria still has a lifeline. The Super Eagles will compete in a mini-tournament in Morocco in November, featuring the four best second-placed teams across Africa. The winner of that playoff will advance to the intercontinental playoffs for a final chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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