The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo came alive as the Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Cheetahs of Benin 4–0 in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
It was a match that showcased Nigeria’s attacking power and resilience, leaving fans hopeful as the team pushes closer to the World Cup dream.
Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, scoring three goals in the third, 37th, and 51st minutes, while Frank Onyeka sealed the win with a late strike just before full-time. Despite the convincing scoreline, Benin showed great determination from start to finish, creating several dangerous chances that tested Nigeria’s defence. Their best opportunity came in the first half with a one-on-one attempt that went over the bar, and in the second half, they tried to dominate the midfield but couldn’t convert their efforts into goals.
The result placed Nigeria second in Group C with 17 points, just one point behind South Africa, which topped the group with 18. Benin also finished with 17 points but was edged out due to goal difference. With this performance, the Super Eagles qualify for the playoff stage as one of the best runners-up, giving them another opportunity to secure a World Cup spot through additional matches.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), nine second-placed teams, one from each group, will advance to the playoff standings. To ensure fairness, results against the last-placed team in each group will not be counted, except in Group E, where Eritrea’s withdrawal left only five teams. Rankings for the best runners-up will be determined based on FIFA’s tie-breaking criteria, including points, goal difference, and goals scored.
Nigeria’s 15 points from matches against South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have confirmed their place in the playoff round. With their strong record and superior goal difference, the Super Eagles now turn their focus to the upcoming playoffs as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
