Nigeria failed to gain automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite drubbing Benin 4-0 in the final match of Group C at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
The Cheetahs, who prior to the game topped Group C with 17 points could not contain with the pace of the Nigerian attack as they conceded in the first three minutes when Victor Osimhen scored the curtain raiser through an assist by Simon Chukwueze.
After the goal, the Beninese tried to come back into the game but the Super Eagles defence was too strong for them to penetrate and it was Osimhen who again rose to the occasion to score a brace before the end of the first half.
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On the resumption of the second half, Osimhen became the hero of the match scoring a hat trick in the encounter before he was substituted later in the second half.
Not done yet, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka scored the fourth goal in the 90th minute of the second half to put the game beyond the Beninese and ensure Nigeria book one of the playoffs ticket.
With this victory, Nigeria came second behind South Africa with 17 points, same with Benin Republic but with a superior goal aggregate and qualifies for the playoffs.
However, Eric Chelle’s charges have a chance to feature in the playoffs as one of the four second best teams in the African qualifiers.
South Africa Qualifies for 2026 world Cup
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana join six African countries in securing their ticket to the upcoming FIFA World Cup following a 3-0 win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Other qualifiers are Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha broke the deadlock in the 5th minute with a long range strike, beating Fiacre Ntwari in the Amavubi goal.
Electrifying winger Oswin Apollis doubled the lead in the 26th minute after a lay off from striker Evidence Makgopa inside the box.
The lanky striker got a goal of his own with a glancing header in the 72nd minute, pouncing on a corner kick delivery from Appollis.
Hugo Broos’ men topped Group C with 18 points accumulated from 10 matches and are en route to the global showpiece set to be co-hosted at USA, Mexico and Canada.
This comes after a major scare following a sanction from FIFA, deducting three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.
Moreover, the scare was compounded after a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last week Friday but the Belgian mentor managed to guide his men through the finish line.
