Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick as Nigeria thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo on Tuesday, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive through the playoffs.

Despite the emphatic win, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on automatic qualification as South Africa sealed top spot in Group C with a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Johannesburg.

Osimhen’s clinical finishing lit up the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, reaffirming his status as Africa’s most lethal striker. The Galatasaray forward struck twice in the first half and completed his treble shortly after the restart, while substitute Frank Onyeka added the fourth in stoppage time to round off a dominant performance.

Nigeria entered the game needing victory and a favourable result elsewhere. While they delivered in Uyo with one of their most complete displays of the campaign, South Africa’s win meant the Super Eagles finished second in Group C, one point short of automatic qualification. 

The outcome sums up Nigeria’s turbulent qualifying run — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by missed chances in earlier draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

With this victory, Nigeria confirmed their place in the African playoffs to be held in Morocco in November.

The four best second-placed teams across the continent will compete for one remaining spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

The winner will then face teams from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas next March for the final two tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For now, Nigeria have done their part — and Osimhen’s heroics ensure the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream is still alive.

Meanwhile, seven countries have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa. They include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, which sealed a historic qualification on Monday, and the latest being South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal are on course to complete the roster.