Nigeria Crush Benin 4–0 to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive, Secure Playoff Spot

Nigeria’s Super Eagles roared back to life in style, crushing Benin 4–0 in their final CAF World Cup Qualifier Group C clash to seal a crucial place in the CAF playoffs — keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

Star striker Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational hat-trick to lead Nigeria’s charge, putting in a performance worthy of the occasion.

Needing a big win to stay in contention, Nigeria wasted no time. Osimhen opened the scoring inside three minutes, finishing calmly after a lightning-fast break. He doubled his tally in the 37th minute with a brilliant header from Samuel Chukwueze’s perfect cross.

After halftime, Moses Simon set up Osimhen for his third goal — a composed finish that completed a memorable hat-trick and put Nigeria firmly in control.

Still needing one more goal to edge past Burkina Faso on goal difference, Nigeria pushed relentlessly. Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when substitute Frank Onyeka volleyed home Simon’s cross, sealing a dramatic 4–0 victory and sparking jubilant scenes on the Super Eagles’ bench.

The win lifted Nigeria to 15 points with a +7 goal difference, enough to move into the top four of the CAF second-place rankings, ahead of Burkina Faso (+6).

CAF Second-Place Rankings (as of October 14, 2025):

1. Gabon – Played: 7 | GD: +4 | Points: 16
2. Cameroon – Played: 8 | GD: +9 | Points: 15
3. Nigeria – Played: 8 | GD: +7 | Points: 15
4. Burkina Faso – Played: 8 | GD: +6 | Points: 15
5. Niger – Played: 8 | GD: +1 | Points: 15

The result means Nigeria now hold the final playoff spot, pending the outcome of DR Congo’s match against Sudan later tonight.

If DR Congo win, they will climb to third, but Nigeria will remain in fourth place, securing one of the four coveted playoff slots that lead to the inter-confederation playoff for a World Cup berth.

It was a night of redemption for the Super Eagles — a statement victory that reminded Africa of their pedigree and resilience when it matters most.