Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured a place in the African playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a dominant 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday in Uyo.
The emphatic win lifted Nigeria to third position on the ranking table of the continent’s best four third-placed teams, ensuring their progression to the continental playoffs that will determine Africa’s final representative for the intercontinental round.
On the current log, Gabon lead the standings, followed by Cameroon, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. However, DR Congo could alter the lineup if they defeat Sudan in their final Group B fixture.
The African playoff mini-tournament is set to take place next month in Morocco, one of the 2030 World Cup co-hosts. According to CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, Samson Adamu, the semifinals will hold on November 13, 2025, with the final scheduled for November 16, 2025.
The October 2025 FIFA Rankings will determine the playoff seedings: the top-ranked team will face the fourth-best, while the second and third will clash in the other semifinal.
The eventual winner will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs, where they’ll face opponents from Asia, South America, Oceania, and CONCACAF for a final spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In Uyo, the Super Eagles put up a spirited display, with Samuel Chukwueze starring in the victory. He assisted two early goals in the 3rd and 21st minutes, before netting Nigeria’s third goal in the 51st minute. Moses Simon provided two assists, including one for Frank Onyeka, who sealed the scoreline.
Elsewhere, South Africa defeated Rwanda 3–0 to win their group and qualify directly for the World Cup, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde as Africa’s confirmed representatives at the global tournament.
Nigeria now stand just two games away from keeping their World Cup dream alive.
