Nigeria’s Super Eagles have booked their place in the continental playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on the final day of the group qualifiers in Uyo on Tuesday night.
Star striker Victor Osimhen led the charge with a spectacular hat-trick, scoring in the 2nd, 35th, and 51st minutes to remind the continent why he remains Africa’s most lethal forward. Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+1 minute, sending the packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium into wild celebrations.
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The win means Nigeria have secured a spot in the continental playoff to be held in November in Morocco, keeping their World Cup hopes alive after what had been a turbulent qualifying campaign.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who came under scrutiny following earlier setbacks, praised his players for their fighting spirit and resilience, describing the victory as “a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit.”
Fans erupted in celebration across the country as the Super Eagles delivered when it mattered most, showing a blend of determination, discipline, and flair that had been missing in previous outings.
While the journey to the World Cup remains challenging, optimism has been reignited across Nigeria. The team will now shift focus to the upcoming playoff, where victory would secure their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As one fan in Uyo put it after the match: “The dream is alive. With Osimhen fit and firing, anything is possible.”
