The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured qualification for the African playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The win ensured Nigeria clinched one of the four available slots for the best second-placed teams heading into the playoffs.
Nigeria currently sits third among the playoff positions and is mathematically guaranteed to retain its place.
Following Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, CAF announced that results against the sixth-placed teams in each group would be deducted from the total points tally used to determine the best runners-up.
Nigeria had earned two points against Zimbabwe, who finished sixth in Group C, but still ended the round with 15 points and a +7 goal difference, surpassing Burkina Faso and Niger.
A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the victory and Nigeria’s place in the playoffs.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute after a clever through ball from Samuel Chukwueze, before doubling the lead just before halftime with a powerful header, again assisted by Chukwueze.
The 27-year-old striker completed his hat-trick in the second half with a precise header off a free-kick, delighting fans inside the packed stadium.
With minutes left on the clock, substitute Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal, calmly slotting home from close range to round off a dominant performance.
The Super Eagles are now among the four best runners-up who will compete in the African playoffs scheduled to take place in Morocco in November.
The winners of the playoff round will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs, where the final two slots for Africa at the 2026 World Cup will be decided.