Nigeria miss out on automatic World Cup qualification despite drubbing Benin | OneFootball

Nigeria beat Benin but miss out on automatic World Cup qualification

Photo: Justina Aniefiok/ BcakPagePix

Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite beating Benin 4-0 in the final match of Group C at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles broke the deadlock in the 3rd minute through deadly frontman Victor Osimhen, who went on to score a hatrick.

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka rounded up the scoring in the 90th minute to complete the rout for Eric Chelle's men.

Nigeria finished second in group C after accumulating 17 points - one behind automatic qualifiers Bafana, who racked up 18 points.

However, Chelle's charges have a chance to feature in the playoffs as one of the four second best teams in the African qualifiers.