BREAKING: Nigeria Misses Out on Automatic World Cup Qualification Despite 4–0 Win Over Benin

• Victor Osimhen netted a brilliant hat-trick as Nigeria crushed Benin Republic 4–0, but the Super Eagles still missed out on automatic World Cup qualification after South Africa defeated Rwanda 3–0 to top Group C.

Victor Osimhen’s stunning hat-trick could not save the Super Eagles from disappointment as Nigeria failed to secure Group C’s automatic qualification spot, despite thrashing Benin Republic 4–0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The emphatic victory was not enough, as South Africa sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela, leaving Nigeria second in the group and forced to await results from other centres to determine their playoff fate.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a composed finish from Samuel Chukwueze’s assist, before doubling Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute with a precise header. The Galatasaray forward completed his hat-trick shortly after halftime with a spectacular flying header, while Frank Onyeka added a late fourth.

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However, Bafana Bafana’s dominant win over Rwanda—featuring goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa—confirmed their top spot in Group C and a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.