Osimhen’s hattrick sends Nigeria into World Cup playoffs

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup. 

The team defeated the Benin Republic 4-0 on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium to secure one of the four slots for the best second-placed teams in the playoffs.

Nigeria occupies the third position of the playoff slots and cannot be displaced mathematically by any team.

Due to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualification, countries vying for playoff spots will have the results against the sixth-placed teams in their various groups subtracted from their total point accumulation.

Nigeria earned only two points against Zimbabwe, who finished sixth in Group C.

For the playoff spots, Nigeria had 15 points with a +7 goal difference, surpassing Burkina Faso and Niger.

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a vital strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the playoffs for the Eagles.

Osimhen put Nigeria ahead in the third minute after a through pass from Samuel Chukwueze. He doubled the lead shortly before halftime with a powerful header off another assist from Chukwueze.

The 27-year-old then completed his hat-trick in the second half courtesy of an inventive header off a free-kick.

With minutes to the final whistle, substitute Onyeka stole into the Benin Republic area to score the all-important fourth goal.

The Super Eagles will be one of the four best runner-up teams competing in the African playoffs to be held in Morocco in November.

The winner will advance to the inter-confederation playoff, which will determine the final two qualification slots for the 2026 World Cup.