“Osimhen Hat-trick Sends Nigeria into World Cup Playoffs.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles sealed a CAF playoff place with a decisive 4-0 victory over Benin in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen scored a brilliant hat-trick as Nigeria thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo on Tuesday to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive through the playoffs.
Despite the big win, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after South Africa claimed top spot in Group C with a 3–0 victory over Rwanda in Johannesburg.
Osimhen was unstoppable at the Gods will Akpabio International Stadium, showing once again why he is one of Africa’s best strikers. The Galatasaray forward scored twice in the first half and completed his hat-trick soon after the break. Substitute Frank Onyeka added a late fourth goal to seal an impressive team performance.
Ikpeba Warns Super Eagles Ahead of Tough World Cup Play offs
Nigeria went into the match needing a win and hoping for a slip-up from South Africa. While they did their part in Uyo with one of their best displays of the campaign, the result in Johannesburg meant they finished second in Group C, just one point short of qualification..
Ranking of second – place teams
CAF Play-offs set for World Cup 2026
Nigeria vs Gabon
Cameroon vs DR Congo
The play-offs winner will get a chance to qualify via the intercontinental play-offs. All matches will be played in Morocco.
By SKY NANAH YAU.