Despite a commanding 4–0 win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, the Super Eagles of Nigeria fell just short of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Frank Onyeka sealed a convincing victory for Nigeria, but it was not enough to top Group C, as South Africa defeated Rwanda 3–0 to clinch the automatic spot.
With 17 points, Nigeria finished second behind South Africa, who ended with 18 points, and now stand an excellent chance of advancing to the CAF World Cup Playoffs as one of the top four second-placed teams.
Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, racing past the Benin defence to slot home confidently. The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead with a powerful header eight minutes before halftime, following a perfect cross from Samuel Chukwueze.
Although Chukwueze was forced off at halftime due to injury, Moses Simon stepped up, providing another assist for Osimhen to complete his hat-trick early in the second half.
Nigeria continued to press for the all-important goal that would secure their playoff place, and it came in style in the 90th minute when Simon danced past two defenders before lofting a cross that Frank Onyeka volleyed into the net.
The late strike sent Nigerian fans into wild celebration, as it improved their goal difference above that of Burkina Faso, who had been in contention for the final playoff spot.
The result means Nigeria are virtually assured a place in the four-team CAF World Cup Playoffs, where the continent’s representative for the intercontinental play-offs will be decided.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic, who began the day on top of Group C and were eyeing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification, saw their dreams dashed by a revitalized Super Eagles side that showed up when it mattered most.
Only four of the nine group runners-up will advance to the CAF playoffs, with the pairings to be determined based on FIFA Rankings to be released on October 23, 2025. The top-ranked team will face the fourth, while the second and third-ranked teams will meet in the other semi-final.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as host of the playoff mini-tournament. The semi-finals will take place on November 13, 2025, with the final scheduled for November 16, 2025.
The winner of the CAF playoffs will go on 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 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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