Nigeria have qualified for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs, following their 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles cruised to a convincing win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, thanks to a sublime hat-trick from Victor Osimhen.
Frank Onyeka added a crucial fourth goal, boosting Nigeria’s goal difference as they finished among the best runners-up from Africa.
The top four runners-up from the continent will face each other in a mini-tournament in November 2025.
So far, only Gabon and Cameroon have confirmed qualification alongside Nigeria.
The FIFA playoffs tournament will see six countries compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
It will involve two teams from CONCACAF and one team each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.
The four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semi-finals, while the two highest-ranked sides will advance directly to the finals.
The winners of the two bracket finals will secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
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