Nigeria’s Super Eagles rounded off their CAF Group C World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a commanding 4–0 triumph over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.
The home side took control right from the start, as Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing off a brilliant through ball from Samuel Chukwueze. The Eagles dominated possession and continued to pile pressure, with Chukwueze and Moses Simon constantly stretching Benin’s backline.
Osimhen struck again in the 37th minute, rising above his marker to nod in another pinpoint assist from Chukwueze. The Napoli forward completed his hat-trick just six minutes after the restart, heading home a curling free-kick from Simon that clipped the bar before crossing the line, his fifth goal of the qualifiers.
Benin’s best moment came when Aiyegun Houtondji’s tight-angled strike hit the side netting, but Nigeria’s defence, led by Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, remained rock solid throughout.
Substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win deep into stoppage time with a composed low shot from Simon’s cross, sparking wild celebrations from the Uyo crowd.
With this result, Nigeria finished the group stage with 17 points, three behind South Africa, who claimed top spot and direct qualification after defeating Rwanda 3–0.
The Super Eagles will now wait for CAF’s confirmation to see if they qualify as one of the four best second-placed teams to participate in the interconfederation playoffs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
