The Super Eagles thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
Victor Osimhen produced a performance to remember, scoring a hat-trick before a late goal from Frank Onyeka sealed the victory.
However, the emphatic win was not enough, as South Africa clinched the automatic qualification spot from Group C.
Here are four things we learnt from the match:
1. Chance for play-offs: Nigeria now look very likely to be among the four best runners-up from the African zone, thanks to the 4–0 win. Having fought their way back into contention after a poor start to the campaign, Eric Chelle’s men are now in the race for one of the continent’s play-off spots.
2. Rohr fails to get revenge: There was some concern that Gernot Rohr might claim revenge against Nigeria. The German was unceremoniously dismissed as Super Eagles head coach in 2021, and it would have been a major achievement for him to secure Benin’s first-ever World Cup ticket on Nigerian soil. However, that was not to be.
3. Never doubt Osimhen: Before the game, many angry Nigerian fans took to social media to criticise the team and single out certain players. Surprisingly, Victor Osimhen was among those targeted. The Galatasaray striker may have his issues, but finding the back of the net is certainly not one of them. Once again, he proved himself to be one of the most clinical finishers in world football.
4. Saving the best for last: This was, without doubt, the best performance the Super Eagles have produced in a long while. They dominated Benin Republic from start to finish. The display has left many fans wondering why it took until the final game—when the World Cup ticket was on the line—for the players to finally rise to the occasion.