FULL-TIME
Nigeria 4-0 Benin
90′ GOAL!!!
Frank Onyeka makes it four for Nigeria! Brilliant work down the flank from Moses Simon, who beats his man and delivers a pinpoint cross into the box — Onyeka arrives perfectly to slot home.
A fourth goal for the Super Eagles, and a play-off spot now firmly within reach!
87′
Olaitan goes into the referee’s book for a late challenge as frustrations continue to mount for Benin. Meanwhile, Nigeria make another change — Moffi comes on to replace Iwobi as the Super Eagles push for a fourth goal to seal a statement victory.
83′
Remarkably, despite trailing 3-0, Benin could still snatch second place — but they’ll need to score twice to edge Nigeria on the head-to-head record.
82′
According to the latest permutations, a four-goal victory would guarantee Nigeria a play-off spot, regardless of other results.
81′
Victor Osimhen’s night comes to an end to thunderous applause from the Uyo crowd. The hat-trick hero makes way for Arokodare after a sensational performance leading the line.
78′
Osimhen almost bags his fourth of the evening, but Dandjinou produces another fine save — diving across to tip the striker’s powerful header away for a corner.
76′
Brilliant centre-forward work from Victor Osimhen as he nods the ball perfectly into Iwobi’s path, but the midfielder’s strike is quickly blocked by the Benin defence. Moments later, Osimhen is pulled back by C. Hountondji — the defender already on a yellow, and lucky to escape a second.
73′
Zaidu’s night ends prematurely as he’s stretchered off and replaced by Onyemaechi. Meanwhile, Onyeka comes on for Adams as Nigeria look to see this one out comfortably.
72′
South Africa have doubled their lead against Rwanda — a result that keeps Nigeria’s automatic qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
71′
Olaitan tries his luck from a long-range free-kick, but his ambitious effort sails harmlessly over the bar.
70′
Benin nearly gift Nigeria another chance as Simon closes down a back pass, but goalkeeper Dandjinou remains composed, calmly finding a teammate who skips past Osimhen.
68′
Instant impact from substitute Dossou, who whips in a dangerous cross, but Mounié can’t quite stretch enough to make contact. Benin still searching for a lifeline.
63′
Benin push forward and test Nigeria’s backline, but Zaidu reads the situation perfectly, stepping in to clear the danger and preserve the Super Eagles’ comfortable lead.
60′
Zaidu makes a good run down the left and finds space, but his final cross lets him down — sailing harmlessly away from danger.
58′
Despite Osimhen’s hat-trick heroics, Nigeria’s fate isn’t fully in their hands — they still need a helping hand from Rwanda to secure automatic qualification.
56′
The visitors make their first substitution of the night.
On: Olaitan
Off: A. Hountondji
55′
Semi Ajayi goes into the referee’s book for a foul on Dandjinou following a corner.
53′
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Simon looks certain to grab Nigeria’s fourth, but Dandjinou dives brilliantly to his left to pull off a stunning save and keep Benin from further damage.
51′ HAT-TRICK HERO!
What a night for Victor Osimhen! The Nigerian striker completes his hat-trick with a brilliant finish early in the second half. Pure class from the Super Eagles’ talisman — and that surely seals Nigeria’s spot above Benin in Group C!
48′
Excellent work from Fredrick at the back post as he tracks Mounié’s run and does just enough to put the striker off. Solid defending from the Super Eagles.
46′
Nigeria make a switch at the restart — Olakunle Olusegun comes on for Samuel Chukwueze. Perhaps a precaution, as the Fulham winger may have been carrying a knock.
45′
Back underway in Uyo.
HALF-TIME!
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
45+2′
Andreas Hountondji does well to send in a teasing cross from the left, but Bassey is alert to the danger and clears calmly once again to keep Nigeria’s clean sheet intact.
45′
Excellent awareness from Bassey as he snuffs out another Benin attack. The referee signals five additional minutes to be played at the end of the first half.
42′
Frustration creeping in for Benin as Mounié goes into the referee’s book for a late challenge. The visitors’ discipline starting to waver as Nigeria remain firmly in control.
39′
It’s an open contest as both sides trade attacks. Benin continue to press forward, desperately searching for a way back into the game, while Nigeria stay alert at the back. A tense and tightly contested end to the first half is on the horizon.
36′ GOAL!!!
Nigeria double their lead! The Super Eagles’ relentless pressure pays off as Chukwueze whips in a brilliant cross from the right, and Victor Osimhen rises highest to power home a superb header. His second of the night — and Nigeria are flying in Uyo!
32′
Benin continue to pile on the pressure, pushing forward with intent. Ouorou sets up Tosin on the edge of the box, but his thunderous strike flies wide once again. The visitors are knocking, but still can’t find the finishing touch.
28′
A clever through ball from Benin finds A. Hountondji bursting into the box at pace. He controls beautifully and unleashes a powerful shot, but it rattles the side netting — a huge sigh of relief for Nigeria!
24′
Nwabali stays sharp once again, reacting quickly to deny a dangerous effort from Benin. The Nigerian goalkeeper read the play perfectly, coming off his line to smother the ball and keep his side firmly in control.
21′
The Super Eagles continue to threaten as a fine cross is whipped in towards Osimhen, but it sails just too high for the striker to connect. Nigeria keep pushing for a second goal to strengthen their grip on this crucial clash.
18′
Benin are still searching for a breakthrough, but they can’t seem to find the right formula. Despite Mounié’s persistence, his efforts have failed to trouble Nwabali so far, with several attempts missing the target.
15′
Benin threaten again as a dangerous ball flashes toward goal, but Fredrick reacts brilliantly to make a crucial deflection and keep Nigeria ahead. It’s been end-to-end action so far, with Benin refusing to back down in their search for an equalizer.
11′
The visitors are beginning to find their rhythm, pushing forward in numbers and probing for openings. Nwabali, however, remains sharp between the posts, confidently dealing with every threat that comes his way.
9′
Benin are starting to settle, slowing the tempo to gain control. But they’ll need to push forward soon if they hope to stay in the race for a top-two finish.
7′
Nigeria drop to second in the live standings as South Africa take an early lead against Rwanda. The group is finely balanced with plenty still to play for.
3′ GOAL!
What a dream start for the Super Eagles! Victor Osimhen fires Nigeria into an early lead, latching onto a clever pass from Chukwueze before slotting home with a composed, clinical finish.
KICK-OFF!
The referee blows the whistle, and this crucial World Cup qualifier is officially underway!
——————————————————————————————————————
Everything is on the line tonight as Nigeria face Benin in a decisive World Cup qualifier in Uyo. Despite a shaky campaign so far, the Super Eagles still have a glimmer of hope of reaching next year’s global showpiece—but they must win this crucial encounter against the Group C leaders to keep that dream alive.
A victory by at least two goals would see Nigeria leapfrog Benin in the standings. However, they will also need Rwanda to take points off South Africa in the group’s other pivotal fixture if they are to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Anything short of three points will likely end Nigeria’s hopes of returning to football’s biggest stage, while boosting Benin’s chances of making their maiden World Cup appearance. With so much at stake across the CAF qualifiers, drama is guaranteed in this final round of matches.
Stay tuned for live updates and comprehensive coverage from the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium right here.