Super Eagles keep World Cup hopes alive despite missing automatic qualification spot
UYO, Nigeria – Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick as Nigeria crushed Benin Republic 4-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, though the victory wasn’t enough to secure automatic qualification.
Osimhen Dominates With Three Goals
The Galatasaray striker scored in the 3rd, 38th, and 51st minutes. All three goals came from crosses by winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the 90th minute. The result keeps Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes alive heading into the playoff rounds.
South Africa Takes Automatic Qualification Spot
South Africa secured the group’s automatic qualification berth with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda. Bafana Bafana will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria now faces playoff matches to secure their place at the tournament. The Super Eagles last appeared at the World Cup in Russia 2018.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results
Coach Eric Chukwuma made four changes from Nigeria’s win over Lesotho. Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, while Moses Simon earned his 85th cap. Victor Osimhen partnered with Akor Adams up front.
Nigeria’s Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali (GK); Benjamin Fredrick, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Calvin Bassey.
Osimhen opened scoring three minutes after kickoff.
Match Report
Nigeria controlled 58% of possession in the opening 14 minutes. Calvin Bassey stopped a Benin counterattack in the 12th minute.
Osimhen nearly scored again in the 22nd minute before Chukwueze’s cross found him unmarked in the box for the second goal. The first half added five minutes of stoppage time.
Benin pressured Nigeria after halftime, but Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute. Ndidi missed a chance in the 68th minute before Onyeka’s late strike sealed the 4-0 victory.
What’s Next
Nigeria enters the African playoff rounds for the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles have qualified for six previous World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. They reached the Round of 16 in 1994.
