BY IFEANYI UWAGWU/ EBI NIEKETIEN
NIGERIA’S hopes of clinching an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak, despite a dominant 4–0 win over the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, yesterday.
The Super Eagles went into the final Group C fixtures needing a win and hoping South Africa would falter against Rwanda. Nigeria fulfilled their part of the bargain in grand fashion, but fate had other ideas as the Bafana Bafana triumphed 3–0, securing the automatic qualification spot and leaving Nigeria to settle for the playoffs.
From the blast of the whistle in Uyo, Nigeria looked determined and purposeful, driven by the urgency of the occasion.
Victor Osimhen scored a spectacular hat trick and midfielder Frank Onyeka added a late fourth goal. Osimhen’s first goal came in the 3rd minute following an exquisite pass from Samuel Chukwueze. Chukwueze also turned provider for Osimhen, eight minutes from the break, before the Galatasaray striker completed his treble six minutes after the break. Midfielder Frank Onyeka added another in added time.
However, the celebrations were cut short by news from South Africa. A few minutes after Osimhen put the Eagles ahead, Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana led Rwanda courtesy of Thalente Mbatha’s fifth-minute opener in Polokwane, as they cruised to a 2-0 scoreline by halftime and cruising to a 3-0 victory, with other goals from Oswin Appollis in the 26th minute and a header by Evidence Makgopa in the second half.
The result meant they topped Group C, while Nigeria, despite finishing strong, had to settle for second place and a ticket to the playoffs as one of the four best second-placed teams.
Despite the loss, Osimhen’s display cemented his status as one of the elite strikers around, with his treble meaning that he has scored 29 goals in 43 games for the Eagles, just 8 goals shy of the legendary Rashidi Yekini.
Eric Chelle’s side may rue the dismal performances against Zimbabwe over two legs, but must pick themselves up and prepare for the tortuous playoffs, which would take place in Morocco, keeping alive the faint hope that they can still reach next summer’s World Cup.
