Super Eagles Secure Spot in FIFA World Cup Playoffs After Convincing Win Over Benin

Super Eagles Secure Spot in FIFA World Cup Playoffs After Convincing Win Over Benin

By Niyi Busari 

Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick propelled Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a dominant 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, keeping Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

 Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria missed out on direct qualification, with South Africa clinching the top spot in Group C.

Nigeria’s resounding win briefly shifted the group standings, pushing South Africa down. However, the Bafana Bafana reclaimed first place by defeating Rwanda 3-0 in Nelspruit, securing their automatic berth in the World Cup.

Nonetheless, Nigeria’s victory, combined with Algeria’s 2-1 win over Uganda, ensured the Super Eagles’ place in the World Cup playoffs. Currently, Nigeria ranks third among the best runners-up, behind Gabon and Cameroon, with Burkina Faso in fourth.

Osimhen’s performance reaffirmed his critical role as Nigeria prepares for the playoff stage that will determine their World Cup fate.

Head-to-Head and Historical Context

Nigeria and Benin Republic, previously known as the Squirrels and now the Cheetahs, have met 12 times across various competitions: nine wins for Nigeria, two for Benin, and one draw. Their encounters span the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), African Nations Championship (CHAN), WAFU tournaments, World Cup qualifiers, and friendlies.

Key matches include Nigeria’s 4-0 victory in April 2010 and Benin’s recent 2-1 win over Nigeria in June 2024 during World Cup qualifiers a fixture that saw Benin celebrate exuberantly under the guidance of their former Nigerian coach.

Nigeria, currently ranked 45th globally, has appeared in six World Cups, advancing to the Round of 16 three times (1994, 1998, and 2014). They have also claimed the AFCON title three times (1980, 1994, and 2013). Benin, ranked 93rd, has yet to qualify for a World Cup but has participated in five AFCON tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals once in 2019.

Group C Final Standings

The group concluded with South Africa topping with 18 points, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Nigeria and Benin both finished with 17 points, but Nigeria’s superior goal difference (+7) placed them second, pushing Benin to third (+5).

Lesotho finished fourth with 12 points, followed by Rwanda with 11 points and Zimbabwe at the bottom with 5 points.

In a related match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa, Lesotho secured a late 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Hlompho Kalake who previously scored against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier.

Looking Ahead

FIFA will soon announce the teams involved in the playoffs and the schedule for these decisive matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.