The Digest:
Nigeria's Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic to secure a World Cup playoff berth, though the triumph carried bittersweet tones as South Africa's parallel win denied them automatic qualification despite Victor Osimhen's brilliant hat-trick performance.
Key Points:
- Victor Osimhen's hat-trick highlighted his crucial importance to the team
- Nigeria finished second in Group C despite the emphatic 4-0 victory
- South Africa's 3-0 win over Rwanda secured the automatic qualification ticket
- Coach Eric Chelle's revolution has transformed Nigeria's campaign fortunes
- The Super Eagles secured a playoff spot among Africa's best runners-up
- Osimhen's earlier injury absences proved costly in the tight group race
- Nigeria collected 14 points from Chelle's six unbeaten matches in charge
- The team showed an emerging tactical identity with aggressive pressing and width
Sources: Soccernet
