Super Eagles miss automatic World Cup qualification despite 4–0 victory over Benin
The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday evening, defeating the Benin Republic 4–0 in their final Group C World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Star striker Victor Osimhen stole the show with a magnificent hat-trick, inspiring Nigeria to one of their most dominant displays in recent memory. However, despite the emphatic win, the team’s hopes of earning an automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after South Africa secured a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda in Johannesburg.
Nigeria wasted no time asserting control, with Osimhen opening the scoring just three minutes into the game, capitalising on a defensive blunder to fire home. The Galatasaray forward doubled the lead in the 37th minute, expertly heading in a well-placed cross to put the Eagles firmly in charge.
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Benin Republic’s Steve Mounie briefly threatened to pull one back before halftime, but the Super Eagles’ defence stood firm, maintaining their two-goal cushion into the break.
The second half began in explosive fashion as Osimhen completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, punishing another defensive lapse from the visitors. The home crowd erupted in celebration, chanting the Napoli star’s name as he marked his third goal of the night.
Nigeria continued to press forward, creating multiple scoring chances before Frank Onyeka sealed the victory in the 90th minute, making it 4–0 to the delight of the Uyo fans.
Despite the convincing win, the Super Eagles’ fate was sealed elsewhere. News soon filtered in that South Africa’s win had ensured their qualification, leaving Nigeria in second place in the group and missing out on the automatic World Cup berth.
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The result brought a bittersweet end to Nigeria’s campaign — a dominant performance on the night, but not enough to secure the ticket to football’s biggest stage.
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