The Super Eagles wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in style, thrashing Benin Republic 4–0 on Tuesday evening.
Heading into the final group match, Nigeria needed a commanding result to keep their World Cup hopes alive after edging Lesotho 2–1 in their previous outing.
The team made their intentions clear from the onset, as Victor Osimhen struck within the opening three minutes to give the hosts an early advantage against Gernot Rohr’s Benin side.
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead with a fine header just before the break, putting the Super Eagles firmly in control in front of a jubilant Uyo crowd.
The Galatasaray forward completed his hat-trick in the second half, before Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win with a crisp volley late in the game.
With the result, Nigeria secured second place in Group C, finishing behind South Africa, who claimed the group’s automatic qualification berth following a 3–0 victory over Rwanda.
Eric Chelle’s men will now have to wait to learn if their tally will be enough to earn one of the four best runners-up spots across the African qualifiers.
