The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
The team defeated the Benin Republic 4-0 on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium to secure one of the four slots for the best second-placed teams in the playoffs.
It took Nigeria just three minutes to break the deadlock, with Osimhen firing home from a clever pass by Samuel Chukwueze to give the hosts an early lead. The Galatasaray striker doubled the advantage midway through the first half, rising highest to head home another Chukwueze delivery.
Despite Benin’s best efforts to find a response, Nigeria remained dominant. The visitors created several half-chances, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was sharp and the defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel kept things tight at the back.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute with a composed finish to all but seal the result, further underlining why he remains one of Africa’s top strikers. Nigeria continued to push forward, with substitutes Olakunle Olusegun and Terem Moffi adding fresh energy in attack.
Benin, despite trailing heavily, still had a mathematical chance of finishing second but failed to capitalize on their few opportunities. Their frustration was compounded late on when Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the 90th minute after a brilliant run and cross from Moses Simon.
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