Victor Osimhen powered Nigeria to an emphatic 4-0 win over Benin to guarantee the Super Eagles a play-off lifeline in their hunt for 2026 World Cup qualification.
Osimhen bagged a hat-trick before Frank Onyeka fired in a 91st-minute volley to take Nigeria’s tally for the night to four, the advantage needed to ensure they ended CAF qualifying as one of the four best second-placed teams.
In doing so, they denied Benin - who started the day as Group C leaders - a first ever World Cup appearance, ending the group stage level on 17 points but with a superior goal difference.
Neither were able to pip South Africa to top spot, with Bafana Bafana comfortably dispatching Rwanda 3-0 to seal their place at a first World Cup finals since they hosted the tournament in 2010.
Relive all the action in our live blog below:
Nigeria v Benin and South Africa v Rwanda updates
- Nigeria guarantee play-off lifeline in World Cup 2026 qualification as they thrash Benin
- South Africa top the group with win over Rwanda and book place in World Cup
- 90+1' GOAL! Onyeka bags crucial fourth goal to guarantee play-off lifeline [NGA 4-0 BEN]
- 51' GOAL! Osimhen completes his hat-trick with a wonderful header [NGA 3-0 BEN]
- 37' GOAL! Osimhen doubles his tally to give Super Eagles breathing space [NGA 2-0 BEN]
- 3' GOAL! Osimhen slots home to give Nigeria perfect start [NGA 1-0 BEN]
Report: South Africa qualify for first World Cup in 16 years while Nigeria handed play-off lifeline
20:30 , Mark GleesonSouth Africa have qualified for their first World Cup since hosting the tournament 16 years ago, although they had Nigeria partially to thank for their progress.
South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 in Nelspruit to finish first in Group C as Benin, who had a two-point lead going into the final round of fixtures, tumbled from top place to third in the standings after being thumped 4-0 by Nigeria in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive as they seek to advance to a playoff next month for the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups.
South Africa finished on 18 points, with Nigeria runners-up ahead of Benin on goal difference as both ended with 17 points.
Full report:
Luca Zidance makes Algeria debut
20:15 , Will CastleAway from South Africa and Nigeria, there was a notable debut in Algeria’s clash with Uganda.
Luca Zidane - son of France icon Zinadine - started in net for the first time for Algeria after changing allegiances earlier this month.
🇩🇿 Luca Zidane titularisé pour la première fois avec l'Algérie pour le match contre l'Ouganda !
— L'Équipe (@lequipe) October 14, 2025
Un match à suivre en direct sur L'Equipe live foot > https://t.co/icnqogyDWR pic.twitter.com/l53hJpV5Mu
'Goal for South Africa, goal for all Africa!'
20:00 , Will CastleOne of the all-time iconic World Cup moments. South Africa will have the chance to make more next summer.
More #FIFAWorldCup moments for South Africa 🇿🇦#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/tvkcXP6rHZ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025
WATCH: The moment South Africa booked their place at the 2026 World Cup
19:45 , Will Castle⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 ℂ𝕌ℙ ℚ𝕌𝔸𝕃𝕀𝔽𝕀𝔼ℝ𝕊 ⚽️
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 14, 2025
🎟️✈️ Bafana Bafana are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada!
🇿🇦 3⃣➖0⃣ 🇷🇼
🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/wa9vZ88eEt
Scenes in South Africa
19:30 , Will Castle
Nigeria brought their voice tonight
19:21 , Will CastleNigeria finally came good in qualifying - on such an occasion, home advantage would have surely played a factor!
South Africa CONFIRM place at 2026 World Cup
19:09 , Will CastleWhile Nigeria will celebrate their guaranteed play-off, the party won’t be nearly as loud as in South Africa, who have booked their place at their first World Cup since hosting the competition in 2010.
Bafana Bafana comfortably beat Rwanda 3-0, with Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa bagging the all-important goals.
Appolis also notched two assists in a standout performance.
🇿🇦 South Africa have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/j6k9fbvKk9
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025
Nigeria guaranteed World Cup lifeline
19:05 , Will CastleIt took until the final game of CAF qualifying, but Nigeria have finally put in a performance worthy of what they have to offer.
To the play-offs the Super Eagles fly!
Full-time in Uyo!
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 14, 2025
A dominant display from the boys; Victor Osimhen with a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka rounding it off in style.
🇳🇬 Nigeria 4–0 Benin 🇧🇯#SoarSuperEagles | #FIFAWCQ | #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/zguhidTLN3
FULL-TIME! Nigeria 4-0 Benin
18:56 , Will CastleThe dream lives on for Nigeria!
An emphatic win over Benin denies their opponents of a first-ever World Cup, and by scoring four - three of which came through Victor Osimhen - they have guaranteed a place in the qualification play-offs.
The Super Eagles came to play tonight. It wasn’t in their hands, but they did all they could.
Nigeria 4-0 Benin
18:54 , Will Castle90+3 mins: It was pure jubilation after that Onyeka goal went in, with groundsman and teammates alike rushing over to celebrate with the players.
Nigeria won’t be going through automatically - South Africa are 3-0 up on Rwanda and will top the group - but they have a World Cup lifeline.
GOAL! Nigeria 4-0 Benin (Onyeka, 90+1')
18:50 , Will CastleTHE SUPER EAGLES HAVE THAT CRUCIAL FOURTH GOAL!
It’s a belter of a first-time finish from Onyeka, connecting perfectly on the volley to fire into the bottom-left corner.
There are four minutes left of stoppage time - if it stays like this, Nigeria will be guaranteed one of the four play-off places.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:49 , Will Castle89 mins: Simon delivers a threatening free-kick into the area and it bounces around tantalisingly in front of flailing legs of white shirts, but the eventual shot can only find the side-netting.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:48 , Will Castle87 mins: Brilliant interception by Fredrick gives Nigeria hope of producing another chance, but he’s fouled by Tijani, who is booked for his troubles.
Moffi finally enters the fray in place of Iwobi after a good few minutes of waiting.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:46 , Will Castle85 mins: Another change coming for Nigeria, with Moffi warming up.
Nigeria are searching for their fourth goal, but it’s Benin working the ball at the moment.
They try to thread Mounie through but it goes all the way through to the keeper.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:42 , Will Castle80 mins: With just 10 minutes to go, Nigeria are in complete control of their game. The same cannot be said for the group, with South Africa still 2-0 up. Barring a huge capitulation, they’ll be heading to the World Cup as group winners.
A fourth goal tonight, though, will guarantee Nigeria a play-off place. They’ll have to find that without Osimhen, who has just been withdrawn after going down with cramp.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:39 , Will Castle79 mins: SAVE! How is it not four for Nigeria?
Osimhen fires a bullet header towards goal looking to add to his hat-trick, which is wonderfully saved by the Benin keeper.
Then from the Bassey seems to have a simple tap in at the back post but the ball balloons into the air and the chance goes!
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:38 , Will Castle77 mins: Hountondji becomes the second Benin centre-back to enter the book as he illegally prevented Osimhen from accelerating away.
It was a wonderful touch from the Galatasaray to bring the ball down in the first place.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:35 , Will Castle74 mins: Sanusi has looked in discomfort for some time, and the pain has finally proved to much to bear. He goes down and is brought off on a stretcher in tears.
Onyemaechi comes on in his place, while Onyeka enters the fray for Adams - a defensive switch.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:32 , Will Castle71 mins: Bit of urgency, lads?
That was heart-in-mouth stuff from Benin as Simon chased down a loose ball back to the Benin keeper. Dandjinou waits until the final second to pass it out to a defender, with the recipient only jogging out to make sure Osimhen doesn’t get there first!
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:30 , Will Castle70 mins: Just to catch you up on that substitution that concerned Dossou, he came on for Tosin.
Meanwhile, Dodo was also replaced by Amoussou for Benin.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:29 , Will Castle68 mins: CHANCE! How did Mounie not get on the end of that?
Dossou, who just came on for Benin, puts a great ball across and it looks on a plate for Mounie - but it just runs through him!
Nigeria hook it out for a corner, which they end up dealing with.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:27 , Will Castle66 mins: Oh my word, Calvin Bassey.
Benin look to slip Tosin through and the winger has open space to run into - but before he can get there, the imperious Bassey comes across and absolutely clatters him with a shoulder-to-shoulder.
No foul says the ref - just purely outstrengthened.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:21 , Will Castle60 mins: Nigeria come forward again as Sanusi dinks a ball to the back post for Osimhen - however, it just floats over the goal and out of play.
The Super Eagles are playing with confidence, but with South Africa in control of the group, has it all come too late?
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:18 , Will Castle57 mins: Benin have now turned to the bench as Olaitan replaces Houtondji.
Houtondji hasn’t been able to find his final product today.
Nigeria 3-0 Benin
18:15 , Will Castle55 mins: A couple of yellow cards in quick succession as Dodo enters the book for Benin, before Ajayi is cautioned for the Super Eagles.
GOAL! Nigeria 3-0 Benin (Osimhen, 51')
18:14 , Will CastleHAT-TRICK FOR OSIMHEN!
It’s a wonderful header from the striker, latching onto a free-kick to nod in off the post, giving the Benin stopper no chance. He loves to pounce on deliveries like that.
Nigeria have done what they need to tonight.
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
18:09 , Will Castle48 mins: First proper glimpse of goal since the restart, and it goes Benin’s way.
A delightful trivela delivery aims for the head of Mounie, who does manage to get something on it but can’t direct it goalwards.
BACK UNDERWAY! Nigeria 2-0 Benin
18:06 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again.
One change to note - Chukwueze has made way for Olusegun.
You’d think the Fulham man may have picked up an injury given his strong first-half performance, which saw him notch two great assists.
Here come the teams...
18:04 , Will CastleMoments away from a the second half between Nigeria and Benin.
A huge 45 minutes coming up.
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:59 , Will CastleSo, this is the state of play in Group C.
South Africa are 2-0 up on Rwanda, putting them top of the pile on 18 points and in position to automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
Nigeria and Benin are both on 17 points as it stands, with the Super Eagles in second on goal difference.
If it all stays like this, Nigeria will end the game as among the four best second-place finishers in African qualifying - however, this won’t be confirmed until all teams have played their final matches.
Tantalising stuff.
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:50 , Will CastleNigeria are in control at the break, with Victor Osimhen the hero of the day so far.
The Super Eagles are flying high against Benin, but given what’s happening in South Africa, is it high enough?
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:49 , Will Castle45+4 mins: Strong holding of the ball from Sanusi to win a goal-kick late in the half, but it looks like he gets a nick on the ankle for his troubles.
Last few seconds of the first half.
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:47 , Will Castle45+2 mins: Awkward moment for the Nigeria defence as a Benin delivery is cut out by the lower torso of Bassey, knocking it back into the path of Ajayi to clear.
If anyone was on Bassey’s tail there, they could have easily pounced on the loose ball.
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:45 , Will Castle45 mins: Five minutes added on for the end of the first half.
Nigeria are doing what they need to do at the moment - but at the moment, it looks unlikely not be enough to bring them automatic qualification.
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
17:42 , Will Castle43 mins: Mounie picks up a yellow card for holding Chukwueze back with both hands.
A bit of frustration being showed from the Benin talisman.
GOAL! Nigeria 2-0 Benin (Osimhen, 37')
17:37 , Will CastleA BULLET HEADER FROM OSIMHEN MAKES IT TWO FOR THE SUPER EAGLES!
Once again, it’s Chukwueze who produces the goods with the delivery, with a perfect cross finding the head of the Galatasaray striker.
As it stands, Nigeria will be one of the four best runner-ups - putting them into the qualification play-offs - while South Africa will automatically book their place in next summer’s finals.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:34 , Will Castle32 mins: A decent opportunity for Benin as Houtondji gets the opportunity to combine with an overlapping Ouorou to feed the latter into the box.
However, his pass doesn’t quite fall into Ouorou’s path, forcing him out wide to retrieve the ball which he doesn’t manage to keep in play.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:29 , Will Castle28 mins: Bad news for both Nigeria and Benin - South Africa are now 2-0 up against Rwanda.
That puts them in a very strong position at the top of Group C.
Nigeria’s task stays the same: they need to win by as many goals as possible, whether that’s to earn automatic qualification or put them in a strong position to be one of the four best second-place teams.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:26 , Will Castle25 mins: CHANCE! Another big opportunity for Nigeria to double their lead!
Chukwueze is the creator again as he plays Adams into the box, but a yellow shirt gets across at the final moment to make a goal-saving block.
There are calls for handball but the referee is having none of it.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:22 , Will Castle21 mins: Fast-moving break from Nigeria as Chukwueze links up with Iwobi, slotting the Fulham midfielder into the left-side of the box.
His cross aims for Osimhen but goes over his head. Another delivery is lumped into the box which this time is met by the Galatasaray striker, but yellow shirts put him off enough to see his effort go well wide.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:19 , Will Castle19 mins: Benin’s deliveries from the right-hand side haven’t been there so far. They work it well but as it comes back to Tosin, his cross once again balloons over everyone and out for a free-kick.
South Africa are still 1-0 up against Rwanda, FYI.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:16 , Will Castle16 mins: Amid a period of Benin pressure, that was an opportunity for Nigeria as they broke forward on the counter attack with men over.
Unfortunately, the pass out right from Adams lacked the power it needed and the visitors are able to quell the danger.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:14 , Will Castle13 mins: CHANCE! Benin are growing into this one!
After a deep cross has a bit too much on it, Benin work it well again down the left before firing the ball low into the box.
It finds a yellow shirt, who puts it back to Mounie to let fly, but the former Huddersfield man can only call Nwabali into a routine stop.
You’d expect Mounie to cause a bit more trouble in those positions.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:10 , Will Castle9 mins: First moment of promise for Benin as a through ball is aimed for Mounie.
There’s not enough on it and the Super Eagles are able to cut it out, with Sanusi sparking a counter-attack.
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
17:07 , Will Castle6 mins: It was the ideal scenario for Nigeria - for about three minutes.
An early goal for South Africa against Rwanda means it’s Bafana Bafana back in the driving seat for World Cup qualification.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Benin (Osimhen, 3')
17:02 , Will CastleTHE PERFECT START FOR THE SUPER EAGLES!
Chukwueze slips through the Galatasary dangerman, who takes the ball in his stride and slips it past the keeper to bulge the net.
Nigeria 0-0 Benin
17:02 , Will Castle2 mins: Nigeria tick it around the back before trying to create something in the opposition half, with an over-the-top ball searching for Osimhen.
There’s just a bit too much on it and the ball runs through to the goalkeeper.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Benin
16:59 , Will CastleWe are underway!
Here come the anthems
16:56 , Will CastleHands to the chest, both teams stand for their national anthems ahead of kick-off.
We’ve got all the action, up next.
Atmosphere building
16:53 , Will CastleLess than 10 minutes until kick-off as World Cup qualifying reaches its dramatic conclusion.
If Benin win, they’re heading to the World Cup. Nigeria, meanwhile, need a victory to keep their hopes alive. But in the Mbombela Stadium, South Africa could well take it out of the hands of the Super Eagles, regardless of what happens here.
The teams are coming out...
How can Nigeria qualify?
16:50 , Mike JonesSouth Africa were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, when Teboho Mokoena played during their win over Lesotho in March, which keeps alive Nigeria’s hopes.
If Nigeria win 2-1, then the Super Eagles and Benin will have identical records and force Fifa’s regulations over disciplinary records (accumulation of yellow and red cards) to separate them in the group.
South Africa can take top spot if they beat Rwanda and Benin lose, while a Benin draw and a South Africa win by two or more goals will also see Hugo Broos' side advance.
Nigeria need to win either 1-0, or by a two-goal margin, and then wait for a favour from Rwanda to avoid defeat to South Africa.
The runners-up standings, to determine who enters the play-offs, will be calculated without results against sides who finish bottom in each group, after the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E.
Resilience from Rohr
16:43 , Mike JonesThe Benin head coach also added that his side will ‘give everything’ to reach the World Cup.
“We’ve learned to adapt, to stay focused no matter where we play,” he added.
“This team has heart, and we’ll give everything for the result we want.”
Benin team news
16:39 , Will CastleAt long last, we learn Benin’s starting XI for this afternoon’s clash. A reminder of their simple objective this afternoon: if Benin win, they go to the World Cup
Benin XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, C. Hountondji, Verdon, Imourane, Mounie, Tosin, Kiki, Tijani, A. Hountondji, Dodo.
'We're going for the win'
16:37 , Mike JonesBenin head coach, Gernot Rohr, says his team will aim to win the match against Nigeria today and secure top spot in the group.
Benin have played most of their matches away from home in thie group but they are top of the standings with one match to play.
“South Africa played seven out of ten games at home — that’s a big advantage for them. It’s not equal,” he said.
“But we’ve played all our matches away, not a single one at home, and we’re used to it. We are going for a win.”
Equatorial Guinea sack manager and banish players after going on strike for World Cup qualifier
16:30 , Mike JonesEquatorial Guinea have fired coach Juan Micha and kicked out several key players after a strike meant the team failed to travel to Malawi for a World Cup qualifier, with the country now facing possible sanctions from world football body Fifa.
Several regulars, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, have also been removed from their squad for their last Group H qualifier against Liberia on Monday, officials said on Sunday.
Equatorial Guinea sack manager and banish players for going on strike
Still waiting for Benin's confirmed team news
16:30 , Will CastleHalf an hour until kick-off and we are still yet to hear who Benin will be fielding against Nigeria.
They’re billing today’s showdown as “not a derby, it's a final!”
𝐉-𝟏
— Bénin Football 🇧🇯🐆 (@FootballBenin) October 13, 2025
🇳🇬⚔️🇧🇯
Ce n'est pas un derby, c'est une finale !#WCQ2026 #AllezLesGuépards 🐆🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/LkRv321Orn
Nigeria vs Benin head-to-head
16:24 , Mike JonesNigeria have dominated this fixture historically and need to win again tonight. They trail Benin by three points in the group and must take all three of them to remain in with the chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
Nigeria lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture during this campagin and must better that result tonight to leapfrog Benin in the table.
Here’s the head-to-head history and results between the two side:
Nigeria wins: 14
Benin wins: 2
Draws: 3
Chelle calls for intense atmosphere
16:18 , Mike JonesNigeria manager Eric Chelle has called on the supporters create an intense atmosphere this evening.
He said: “I’m proud of my players and I congratulate them. Since March, we’ve been under immense pressure because for Nigeria, qualifying for the World Cup is not optional.
"My players feel that every time they come to camp. But now, maybe it’s time for other teams to feel the same pressure too.
“We need our fans to be behind us and make it tough for Benin. This is the World Cup qualifier, the game starts the moment they step into our country. We must do the job on the pitch.”
How can I watch it?
16:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via the Fifa+ streaming service.
Nigeria team plane forced into emergency landing after suffering damage mid-air
16:09 , Jack RathbornAn aircraft carrying the Nigerian men’s national football team was forced to make an emergency landing in Angola after its windshield cracked mid-flight.
The flight from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Nigeria, made an unscheduled landing back in the Angolan capital of Luanda just 25 minutes after takeoff on Saturday.
Nigeria team plane forced into emergency landing after suffering damage mid-air
When is Nigeria v Benin?
16:06 , Mike JonesNigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Benin kicks off at 5pm BST on Tuesday 14 October at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
Nigeria team news
16:01 , Will CastleSuper Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is dropped from the starting line-up, with Wilfred Ndidi taking the armband.
Victor Osimhen is partnered by Akor Adams up front.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey, Zaidu; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Adams, Osimhen.
🔁 Four changes from our win over Lesotho
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 14, 2025
©️ Ndidi leads the team tonight
👕 Simon makes his 85th appearance
⚡️ Osimhen partners Akor Adams up front
Let’s get this over the line, boys 💪🏾#SoarSuperEagles | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/WOZRKqmFo8
The tiny African nation one win away from qualifying for its first-ever World Cup
15:50 , Mike JonesThe Cape Verde Islands stand on the brink of a historic World Cup qualification, requiring just one victory from their next two matches to secure a place in next year's tournament.
This achievement would underscore the remarkable progress of a nation that, two decades ago, had barely registered on the international football stage.
With a population of approximately 600,000, the wind-swept archipelago off Africa's west coast would become the second smallest country, after Iceland, to reach the global finals.
Nigeria v Benin predicted line-ups
15:40 , Jack RathbornNigeria XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D'Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
How can Nigeria qualify for World Cup 2026?
15:30 , Jack RathbornSouth Africa were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, when Teboho Mokoena played during their win over Lesotho in March, which keeps alive Nigeria’s hopes.
If Nigeria win 2-1, then the Super Eagles and Benin will have identical records and force Fifa’s regulations over disciplinary records (accumulation of yellow and red cards) to separate them in the group.
South Africa can take top spot if they beat Rwanda and Benin lose, while a Benin draw and a South Africa win by two or more goals will also see Hugo Broos' side advance.
Nigeria need to win either 1-0, or by a two-goal margin, and then wait for a favour from Rwanda to avoid defeat to South Africa.
The runners-up standings, to determine who enters the play-offs, will be calculated without results against sides who finish bottom in each group, after the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E.
Nigeria battle Benin and South Africa host Rwanda to conclude CAF World Cup qualifying
15:20 , Jack RathbornGood afternoon and welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of CAF qualifying for the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year.
Nigeria host Benin and South Africa entertain Rwanda in the final games of a thrilling Group C.
The Super Eagles have struggled under Eric Chelle, but not all hope is lost ahead of the final game, with automatic qualification and a route via the play-offs up for grabs.
Follow along for the team news and build-up to an exciting round of games.
