Former South Africa forward, Benni McCarthy, has applauded the Nigerian national team for their decisive performance against Benin Republic during the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
McCarthy expressed satisfaction that the Super Eagles delivered a dominant display, defeating Benin Republic 4–0 in the crucial Group C encounter. The outcome dramatically reshaped the standings, as Benin—who entered the final matchday at the top of the group—missed out on qualification. Nigeria advanced to the playoffs, while South Africa secured automatic passage to the World Cup.
Heading into the fixture, Nigeria needed a minimum of four goals to stand any chance of progressing. A clinical hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka helped the Super Eagles meet that requirement in emphatic fashion.
Speaking to journalists, McCarthy revealed how closely he monitored the match from his base in the United Kingdom.
“I was at home in the UK and I was watching, keeping a really, really close eye…I was rooting for them and hoping that they would win and that Nigeria beat Benin,” he said.
The South African legend noted that even a victory for Bafana Bafana would not have been enough had Benin managed to defeat Nigeria.
“Because even if South Africa had won, if Benin beat Nigeria, South Africa is still out,” he stated.
McCarthy added that the result was particularly satisfying because Nigeria’s victory ensured South Africa’s path remained open.
“I was pleased Nigeria taught Benin a lesson because it opened the door for us to walk through and qualify for the World Cup,” he said.
McCarthy, who remains South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer with 31 goals, was part of the team that lost 1–0 to Nigeria in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.
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