48 mins: First proper glimpse of goal since the restart, and it goes Benin’s way.
A delightful trivela delivery aims for the head of Mounie, who does manage to get something on it but can’t direct it goalwards.
Will Castle14 October 2025 18:09
BACK UNDERWAY! Nigeria 2-0 Benin
One change to note – Chukwueze has made way for Olusegun.
You’d think the Fulham man may have picked up an injury given his strong first-half performance, which saw him notch two great assists.
Will Castle14 October 2025 18:06
Moments away from a the second half between Nigeria and Benin.
A huge 45 minutes coming up.
Will Castle14 October 2025 18:04
So, this is the state of play in Group C.
South Africa are 2-0 up on Rwanda, putting them top of the pile on 18 points and in position to automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
Nigeria and Benin are both on 17 points as it stands, with the Super Eagles in second on goal difference.
If it all stays like this, Nigeria will end the game as among the four best second-place finishers in African qualifying – however, this won’t be confirmed until all teams have played their final matches.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:59
Nigeria are in control at the break, with Victor Osimhen the hero of the day so far.
The Super Eagles are flying high against Benin, but given what’s happening in South Africa, is it high enough?
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:50
45+4 mins: Strong holding of the ball from Sanusi to win a goal-kick late in the half, but it looks like he gets a nick on the ankle for his troubles.
Last few seconds of the first half.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:49
45+2 mins: Awkward moment for the Nigeria defence as a Benin delivery is cut out by the lower torso of Bassey, knocking it back into the path of Ajayi to clear.
If anyone was on Bassey’s tail there, they could have easily pounced on the loose ball.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:47
45 mins: Five minutes added on for the end of the first half.
Nigeria are doing what they need to do at the moment – but at the moment, it looks unlikely not be enough to bring them automatic qualification.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:45
43 mins: Mounie picks up a yellow card for holding Chukwueze back with both hands.
A bit of frustration being showed from the Benin talisman.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:42
GOAL! Nigeria 2-0 Benin (Osimhen, 37′)
A BULLET HEADER FROM OSIMHEN MAKES IT TWO FOR THE SUPER EAGLES!
Once again, it’s Chukwueze who produces the goods with the delivery, with a perfect cross finding the head of the Galatasaray striker.
As it stands, Nigeria will be one of the four best runner-ups – putting them into the qualification play-offs – while South Africa will automatically book their place in next summer’s finals.
Will Castle14 October 2025 17:37