Nigeria Thrash Benin 4-0, Secure World Cup Play-Off Spot
Updated October 14, 2025
Nigeria
Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick as Nigeria cruised to a 4–0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic. However, despite the emphatic win, the Super Eagles fell just short of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen’s three goals and Frank Onyeka’s late strike secured an important win in Uyo, but South Africa’s 3–0 triumph over Rwanda meant the Bafana Bafana finished top of Group C with 18 points, leaving Nigeria in second place with 17.
Still, the result virtually guarantees Nigeria a spot in the CAF play-offs, reserved for the best second-placed teams, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
“Can’t spell Victory without Victor.”
Once again, Osimhen proves decisive for Nigeria. ⚽⚽⚽
South Africa’s victory sealed their automatic qualification, while Nigeria’s superior goal difference—boosted by Onyeka’s 90th-minute volley—placed them ahead of Burkina Faso among the second-placed teams.
The Super Eagles started brightly, with Osimhen scoring just three minutes in after a slick pass split the Beninese defence. The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead shortly before halftime with a powerful header from Samuel Chukwueze’s pinpoint cross.
Chukwueze was substituted at halftime due to injury, but his replacement, Moses Simon, made an instant impact—assisting Osimhen for his third goal to complete the hat-trick. Simon then capped off a superb performance by setting up Onyeka’s late goal with a deft chipped cross.
Full-time in Uyo:
Nigeria 4–0 Benin Republic
Osimhen (3), Onyeka (90’)
#SoarSuperEagles | #FIFAWCQ | #Naija4theWin
Benin, who began the day at the top of Group C and dreaming of their first-ever World Cup qualification, saw their hopes dashed by a rejuvenated Nigerian side that delivered when it mattered most.
Play-offs and Qualification Outlook
Four of the nine second-placed teams will qualify for the CAF play-offs after Matchday 10. The draw will be based on the FIFA World Rankings to be released on October 23, 2025.
- 1st-ranked team vs. 4th-ranked team
- 2nd-ranked team vs. 3rd-ranked team
Play-off Details
CAF has confirmed Morocco as the host of the mini-tournament that will decide Africa’s representative for the inter-confederation play-offs.
- Semi-finals: November 13, 2025
- Final: November 16, 2025
- Venue: Morocco
The winner will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, where they will face teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.