A hat-trick by Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria thrash Benin Republic 4-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying clash in Uyo on Tuesday night.
It was the final game of the Group C of the CAF qualifiers, with three teams – South Africa, Nigeria and Benin Republic – all looking for the only automatic ticket.
The Bafana Bafana of South Africa emerged eventual winners of the group after a 3-0 victory over Rwanda and qualify for the 2026 finals in north America.
South Africa top the group with 18 points, followed by Nigeria on 17 points and a better goal difference than Benin Republic also with 17 points on third place.
Osimhen opened scoring in the third minute. He added a second before halftime through another assist from Samuel Chukwueze, and he completed a hat-trick on 51 minutes before substitution.
Frank Onyeka netted the fourth following a Moses Simon assist to compete a dismantle of high-flying Benin Republic on a thrilling night.
The victory ensured Nigeria qualified to participate in the playoffs – another route to reach the World Cup – as they emerge one of the best second-placed teams across the nine African groups.
As it stands, South Africa join Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria are now fully in for the global showpiece.
Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso will be playing in the playoffs in Morocco in November, and the winner will go on to play the intercontinental playoff for a slot at the finals.
