The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a vital 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic but failed to gain automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, as South Africa topped Group C.
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The victory, powered by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a 90th-minute goal from Frank Onyeka, earned Nigeria 17 points, just one point behind group winners South Africa, who defeated Rwanda 3-0 to secure automatic qualification with 18 points.
Despite missing the top spot, the 4-0 win has virtually assured the Eagles a spot in the upcoming four-team CAF playoffs as one of the best runners-up.
Match Highlights
Osimhen’s Dominance: The Galatasaray striker delivered his best performance of the campaign, racing through the defense to score the opener in the third minute.
He scored a brilliant header eight minutes before halftime, set up by Samuel Chukwueze, and completed his hat-trick in the second half via a perfect pass from Moses Simon.
The Crucial Goal: With South Africa securing the top spot, Nigeria needed one more goal to boost their goal difference above other runners-up.
That crucial goal came in the 90th minute when Moses Simon delivered a chipped cross, which substitute Frank Onyeka volleyed emphatically into the net.
Playoff Assurance: Onyeka’s goal ignited jubilant celebrations as it secured Nigeria third place in the overall second-place standings, boosting their goal difference above Burkina Faso and virtually assuring them a spot in the upcoming four-team playoff that will decide CAF’s representative for the inter-confederation playoffs.
Benin entered the day poised on the brink of their historic first World Cup qualification but were defeated by the revitalized Nigerian team.
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