Nigeria has qualified for the playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after defeating Benin Republic 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Star striker Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick scoring in the 3rd, 37th and 51st minutes of the game before Frank Onyeka scored in added time. The result ultimately denied Benin Republic who were leading the group table before the clash an automatic world cup spot with South Africa grabbing the spot after beating Rwanda 3 – 0.
The Super Eagles will join Gabon, Cameroon, and potentially Burkina Faso or DR Congo in the playoff.
To reach the World Cup, Nigeria will need to finish among the top four second-placed teams across all groups.
The playoff will determine which team advances to the inter-confederation stage for a chance to secure one of the final World Cup slots.
