Nigeria v Benin live: Super Eagles seal play-off spot as South Africa qualify for World Cup

South Africa have qualified for their first World Cup since hosting the tournament 16 years ago, although they had Nigeria partially to thank for their progress.

South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 in Nelspruit to finish first in Group C as Benin, who had a two-point lead going into the final round of fixtures, tumbled from top place to third in the standings after being thumped 4-0 by Nigeria in Uyo.

Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive as they seek to advance to a playoff next month for the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups.

South Africa finished on 18 points, with Nigeria runners-up ahead of Benin on goal difference as both ended with 17 points.

Full report:

Away from South Africa and Nigeria, there was a notable debut in Algeria’s clash with Uganda.

Luca Zidane - son of France icon Zinadine - started in net for the first time for Algeria after changing allegiances earlier this month.

One of the all-time iconic World Cup moments. South Africa will have the chance to make more next summer.

Nigeria finally came good in qualifying - on such an occasion, home advantage would have surely played a factor!

While Nigeria will celebrate their guaranteed play-off, the party won’t be nearly as loud as in South Africa, who have booked their place at their first World Cup since hosting the competition in 2010.

Bafana Bafana comfortably beat Rwanda 3-0, with Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa bagging the all-important goals.

Appolis also notched two assists in a standout performance.

It took until the final game of CAF qualifying, but Nigeria have finally put in a performance worthy of what they have to offer.

To the play-offs the Super Eagles fly!

The dream lives on for Nigeria!

An emphatic win over Benin denies their opponents of a first-ever World Cup, and by scoring four - three of which came through Victor Osimhen - they have guaranteed a place in the qualification play-offs.

The Super Eagles came to play tonight. It wasn’t in their hands, but they did all they could.

90+3 mins: It was pure jubilation after that Onyeka goal went in, with groundsman and teammates alike rushing over to celebrate with the players.

Nigeria won’t be going through automatically - South Africa are 3-0 up on Rwanda and will top the group - but they have a World Cup lifeline.