Nigeria’s hopes of sealing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed on Tuesday, despite a resounding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in their final group match.
Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar performance with a hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a fourth to give the Super Eagles a comfortable win in Cotonou.
The result briefly raised hopes among Nigerian supporters, but South Africa’s simultaneous 3–0 triumph over Rwanda ensured the Bafana Bafana retained top spot in the group.
South Africa finished with 18 points, just one ahead of Nigeria who ended the campaign on 17 points.
Only group winners earn direct qualification for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite falling short of the automatic ticket, Nigeria remain firmly in contention for a World Cup berth.
With 17 points, the Super Eagles stand a strong chance of progressing via the play-off route as one of the best runners-up across the qualifying groups.
Nigeria will now await confirmation from FIFA on the ranking of runners-up, as José Peseiro’s men brace for a potential final hurdle to reach the 2026 World Cup.
More details to come...
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