Nigerians face another dilemma in the FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs.
While the majority celebrated the massive win against Benin in Uyo, the minority, who have deeper knowledge of what qualification playoff means, know that the Super Eagles have left room for more, and would need something beyond the ordinary to survive it.
Victor Osimhen delivered a masterful performance, one that has rarely been seen from a Nigerian in national colours, as his hat-trick propelled the Super Eagles to a place in the CAF World Cup qualification playoffs.
It was more than a consolation for a nation that had seemingly been out of contention, managing to keep their hopes alive after a qualification campaign that began with three draws and one defeat before eventually earning a second-place finish.
Nevertheless, it would have still been far-fetched had it not been for the docked points every group runner-up earned against the bottom sides in their respective groups, following Eritrea’s withdrawal at the start of the qualifiers.
After South Africa were deducted three points and as many goals for fielding Teboho Mokoena ineligible during a 2-0 home win over Lesotho in March 2025, Nigeria had the opportunity to finish top of the group with a win, if Bafana Bafana failed to claim all three points at home to Rwanda.
Super Eagles finally impress Nigerians on final day
It was a different Super Eagles team that emerged against Benin in Uyo on Tuesday. For a side that had failed to turn up in nine qualifying games, they finally did, matching their biggest result against a team ranked in FIFA’s top 100 since beating Cameroon 4-0 in September 2017.
It took Victor Osimhen just 138 seconds to break the deadlock, finishing past the goalkeeper after being played through by Samuel Chukwueze, recording the fastest goal the country has scored since Paul Onuachu’s eight-second strike on his debut against Egypt in March 2019.
The same combination resulted in a second later in the half, with Osimhen heading home an inviting cross from the Fulham winger to make it 2-0 and give the home side a deserved cushion.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes after the restart, while Frank Onyeka sealed a commanding win with a crucial fourth in added time.
Unfortunately, South Africa also won their match, beating Rwanda 3-0 to finish top of the table, while Nigeria head into the qualification playoffs after finishing as runners-up.
Why Nigerians should worry about World Cup chances
For a nation that missed the previous edition and has never recorded back-to-back absences since their World Cup debut in 1994, yesterday’s triumph may offer hope, but the task ahead remains daunting.
Should the Super Eagles fail in the upcoming qualification playoffs, the pain of Nigerians will only deepen, prolonging their suffering before succumbing to what many fear is inevitable.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final of the CAF World Cup qualification playoffs, a side that could have topped six of the nine groups with their 25 points but ultimately finished behind Ivory Coast in Group F.
If they prevail, the Super Eagles will then face either Cameroon or DR Congo, both of whom enjoyed stronger qualifying campaigns. Barring their recent show against Benin, little suggests that Nigeria has what it takes to overcome such opposition.
And if they do, they will then head into the daunting continental playoff, where five other nations from different federations will battle for just two remaining spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Does the emphatic win over Benin signify real potential, or is it merely a result that prolongs the fans’ suffering? The Super Eagles hold the answer, but one thing is certain: the main task lies ahead, and it only gets tougher from here.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
