The Super Eagles of Nigeria demolished Benin Republic 4-0 in the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday 14 October, 2025 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but, were unable to clinch an automatic ticket to the tournament.
Turkish Super Lig Club , Galatasaray, striker, Victor Osimhen, netted a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka, who fields for Premier League club, Brentford, scored one for Eric Chelle’s side.
The beautiful home win was not enough for straight qualification, however, secured a spot for the Super Eagles in the play-offs as one of the top second-placed teams.
Osimhen scored his goals in the 3rd, 37th and 51st minute; and Onyeka sealed it up late, in the 1st minute of additional time.
South Africa, who made light work of Rwanda 3-0, finished as Group C toppers with 18 points and clinched automatic spot to the 2026 FIFIA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States (US), Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria finished second with 17 points same as The Cheetahs of Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe finished with 12, 11 and 5 points respectively.
The World Cup Play-off hands Nigeria a second chance to make it to the 2026 World Cup.
Result
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – Tuesday 14 October, 2025 |
| DR Congo 1-0 Sudan |
| Senegal 4-0 Mauritania |
| Nigeria 4-0 Benin |
| South Africa 3-0 Rwanda |
| Morocco 1-0 Congo |
| Seychelles 0-7 Gambia |
| Gabon 2-0 Burundi |
| Ivory Coast 3-0 Kenya |
| Algeria 2-1 Uganda |
| Guinea 2-2 Botswana |
| Somalia 0-1 Mozambique |
Photo: Victor Osimhen in action for Nigeria against Benin | X/Super Eagles
