Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their World Cup dream alive with a commanding 4–0 win over Benin Republic but a clear, two-stage path still lies ahead. Below is a tight, easy-to-follow news-style explanation plus a step-by-step checklist showing exactly what the team must do to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The short version
Nigeria must first navigate the CAF Play-Offs (a mini knock-out among Africa’s best runners-up), then survive the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (a global, six-team series) to secure one of the final slots at the 2026 World Cup.
Step-by-step: How the Super Eagles qualify
Stage 1
CAF Play-Offs (continental)
Finish top among eligible runners-up.
Nigeria already secured second place in Group C. Only the top four second-placed teams from Africa’s nine groups progress to the CAF Play-Offs Nigeria achieved this with the 4–0 win in Uyo.
Win the CAF Play-Off semi-final.
This is a single knockout tie (home-and-away or as determined by CAF). Win the semi and you advance to the CAF Play-Off final.
Win the CAF Play-Off final
Victory in the final crowns Nigeria one of Africa’s play-off winners and earns a place in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (the global qualifier round).
Succeeding in Stage 1 means Nigeria becomes one of Africa’s representatives in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs.
Stage 2 — Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (global).
Represent Africa in the six-team inter-confederation tournament.
The tournament includes six teams from different confederations vying for the last World Cup places.
Deal with FIFA ranking seeding.
