Nigeria Qualifies for World Cup Playoffs Despite Benin Victory

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will compete in the CAF playoffs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a dominant 4-0 win over Benin Republic today, October 14, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Frank Onyeka secured the comfortable victory, but South Africa’s 3-0 triumph over Rwanda ultimately denied Nigeria automatic qualification from Group C. Nigeria finished as one of the four best second-placed teams, earning a spot in the playoff stage. The team took an early lead within three minutes, with Osimhen calmly slotting the ball past the Benin goalkeeper following a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze. Osimhen added a second just before halftime with a header from another Chukwueze assist, and completed his hat-trick after the break.

Onyeka’s stoppage-time goal further emphasized Nigeria’s dominance, bringing the final score to 4-0 and securing their place in the playoffs with 15 points and a +7 goal difference. However, the withdrawal of Eritrea from the qualification series meant results against sixth-placed teams were excluded, deducting points from Nigeria’s tally. This outcome means Nigeria will need to navigate a challenging playoff route to reach the tournament, a prospect that could impact their standing in African football. For more on the qualification process, see the official FIFA World Cup qualification page.

The CAF playoff mini-tournament will consist of two semi-finals and a final, with the overall winner advancing to the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs. Missing out on automatic qualification means Nigeria will be striving to avoid a second consecutive World Cup absence, having failed to reach the tournament in Qatar 2022. You can find more information about the Confederation of African Football here.