Nigeria Keep World Cup Dream Alive After Thrashing Benin 4–0

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday evening. The result moved the Super Eagles to second place in Group C, ensuring they finish as one of the four best runners-up in the CAF qualifiers, earning a spot in the upcoming inter-confederation playoff tournament. How the Inter-Confederation Playoffs Work The FIFA playoff tournament will determine the final two places at the 2026 World Cup. It will feature six teams: The four lowest-ranked teams will face off in two semi-final matches.The two highest-ranked teams will receive a bye to the finals of the bracket.The winners of those two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Nigeria’s Path to Qualification Before the match, Nigeria sat third in Group C with 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind Benin.But the Super Eagles produced a spectacular response, demolishing Benin 4–0 to climb to second with 17 points, level with the leaders but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, South Africa sealed top spot in the group after defeating Rwanda 3–0, booking their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Nigeria’s second-place finish and strong goal difference now send them into the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup dream alive. African Teams Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (So Far) Two more spots will be confirmed later today, as the winners of Groups B and F are yet to be decided.Additionally, one more African team — possibly Nigeria — could still secure a place via the inter-confederation playoffs.

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Breaking: Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Brightens Super Eagles’ World Cup Hope

An hat-trick from Victor Osimhen against the Squirrels of Benin Republic on Tuesday has boosted Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Galatasaray of Turkey forward struck after three minutes into the game after connecting with a sublime pass from Samuel Chukwueze. Osimhen doubled the lead for Nigeria with an header in 37th minute of the tie. The red-hot forward completed his hat-trick with another header in the 51st minute. Nigeria finished second place with 17 points in Group C of the qualifiers behind South Africa, who came tops in the group and qualified automatically for the mundial. Brentford of England midfielder Frank Onyeka completed the routing of the Beninoise on the dot 90 minutes to make it four nil. Former African Champions will go through another round of play-off to punch her ticket for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup.

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Nigeria vs Benin: Super Eagles Face Must-Win Showdown in Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening as Nigeria take on Group C leaders Benin in the final matchday of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM (16:00 GMT). Qualification Stakes The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.Benin lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15 points). A win for Benin guarantees their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Nigeria need all three points — and favorable results elsewhere — to stand a chance of progressing, either directly or through the intercontinental playoff for a possible 10th African slot. Team News: Nigeria Nigeria coach Eric Chele will be without Ademola Lookman, suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the win against Lesotho.Defender Ola Aina remains sidelined through injury. Star striker Victor Osimhen, fit again after returning from injury, will lead the attack. The Galatasaray forward says the team will fight to the end: “We cannot promise much, but we will fight. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday.” Expected formation: 4-2-3-1Probable lineup: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare. Team News: Benin Coach Gernot Rohr has a full squad available. His side, who edged Rwanda 1–0 on Friday, are expected to keep the same lineup. Probable lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie. Rohr, a former Nigeria coach, acknowledged the high stakes: “It’s in our hands to qualify for a historic first World Cup. But all can change in one game. We must stay humble and focused.” Head-to-Head Record Since 2004, both teams have met 12 times — Nigeria have won nine, Benin two, and one ended in a draw.Their last encounter in June 2024 saw Benin defeat Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan. Group C Standings (Before Final Matchday) Benin – 17 pts (+5) South Africa – 15 pts (+3) Nigeria – 14 pts (+3) Rwanda – 11 pts (−1) Lesotho – 9 pts (−4) Zimbabwe – 5 pts (−6)

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Oba of Benin Warns Folashade Ojo-Tinubu: ‘Iyaloja-General Title Does Not Exist in Benin’

By Kamal Yalwa October 1, 2025 | Benin City The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, against referring to herself as Iyaloja-General within the Benin Kingdom, stressing that the title is foreign to Benin culture and traditions. The monarch issued the clarification on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu, who is nationally recognised as the Iyaloja-General of Nigerian market women, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City. During the visit, Ojo-Tinubu informed the monarch that she was in Edo State to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of the state. Responding, Oba Ewuare II explained that the correct title in Benin tradition is Iyeki — not Iyaloja. He noted that the Iyeki plays both administrative and cultural roles in every market and must be selected by traders before being confirmed by the palace. “The title of Iyaloja is foreign to Benin. Here, our markets have Iyeki, who serve not just as leaders of traders but also perform cultural duties tied to shrines within the markets,” the monarch said. The Oba stressed that Benin remains the custodian of its unique cultural heritage and cannot adopt external titles or practices that conflict with its traditions. He revealed that the matter had been discussed extensively with his chiefs and other knowledgeable persons. To further clarify, Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on behalf of the palace, explained that each market has its own independent Iyeki, such as in Oba Market or Ogiso Market, and none holds authority over the other. “The novelty of a ‘General Iyeki’ is alien to Benin custom. Iyeki is particular to each market. After selection by the traders, the person is brought to the palace for confirmation. The Iyeki does more than coordinate traders; they also perform roles in shrines on behalf of the palace,” he said. He added that while the Iyaloja may be recognised in Yoruba land and other parts of Nigeria, it has no place in Benin culture, where traditional institutions remain firmly rooted in ancestral practices.

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FG Inaugurates Three New Cancer Centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin

FG Inaugurates Three New Cancer Centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin

By Kamal Yalwa : July 26, 2025 The Federal Government has inaugurated three advanced oncology centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to cancer treatment and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. The centres, located at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, were commissioned as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Speaking at the inauguration ceremonies, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the Tinubu administration is committed to transforming cancer care in Nigeria through “unprecedented investments” in modern treatment facilities and diagnostic capabilities. “These new centres demonstrate the President’s resolve to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases across the country,” Prof. Pate stated. He emphasized that the new facilities would enhance early diagnosis, provide state-of-the-art treatment options, and serve as hubs for training medical professionals in oncology care. Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who joined Prof. Pate in celebrating the achievement. The new centres form part of a broader strategy to decentralize specialized healthcare services and bring quality cancer treatment closer to communities nationwide. Prof. Pate noted that additional investments would soon follow in diagnostics and clinical workforce development. This development aligns with the Tinubu administration’s health reform agenda, which prioritizes improved access, equity, and quality in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

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