By VICTOR OKOYE

Nigeria on Tuesday strengthened their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo.

The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, saw Victor Osimhen net a hat-trick in the 3rd, 37th and 51st minutes of the game to lead the Super Eagles to a crucial win.

Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the 90th minute to seal the victory.

Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa and now await the final Confederation of African Football (CAF) rankings of second-placed teams.

Only the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups will qualify for the CAF playoff round.

Africa has nine direct slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the winner of each group qualifying automatically.

CAF had earlier clarified that results against the bottom team in each group will not count in the ranking.

Group E is exempt, following the withdrawal of Eritrea.

The Eagles? qualification now depends on point totals and goal difference after all group matches are concluded.

The four best second-placed teams square up against each other in single-leg semifinals with the winners of the semifinals expected to clash in the final.

The winner of the final progresses to the Intercontinental Playoff in North America. (NAN)

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