By Azuka Christopher
TUE OCT 14 2025-theGBJournal| The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Benin Republic 4-0 in Uyo, in a match billed as the most crucial 90 minutes in both nations’ World Cup qualifying campaigns.
It is for many Nigerians, a huge redemption after the humiliation of missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history.
A dominant display by the Super Eagles, a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and blistering shot from outside the eighteen yard box by Frank Onyeka secured Nigeria its biggest win in the qualifying stage, and secured their spot in African playoffs for the World.
With mathematical permutations, the Super Eagles desperately needed the divine intervention and they secured what many sees as a livewire to the much coveted World Cup 2026 tournament.
The Group C standings painted a dramatic picture before today’s results. Benin Republic lead the group with 17 points from 9 matches, boasting a superior +5 goal difference.
South Africa followed with 15 points (+3 GD) after their disappointing 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, while Nigeria sit third with 14 points (+3 GD) following their crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho.
Nigeria’s form was dastardly showing 3 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss in 9 qualifying matches, averaging 1.22 goals scored and 0.89 goals conceded.
The Super Eagles also managed just one clean sheet in their last five matches, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
With the win, Nigeria sits in third place in the playoff alongside Cameroon, Gabon and Burkina Faso who may drop out if DR Congo bea Sudan later today.
The winner of the playoffs will proceed to FIFA playoffs where six sides fight it out for the final two places at the 2026 World Cup.
The playoffs 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 semi-finals.
The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals. The winners of the two bracket finals will reach the FIFA World Cup 26.
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