Nigeria have qualified for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs, following their 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles stormed into 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, which boosted Nigeria’s goal difference, as they finished as one of 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 along with Nigeria.
The FIFA playoffs tournament will see six countries fight it out for the final two places at the 2026 World Cup.
It will involve two teams from CONCACAF and one team apiece from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.
The four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semifinals. The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals.
The winners of the two bracket finals will reach the 2026 World Cup.
