Benni McCarthy, a former striker for South Africa, praised the Super Eagles for giving Benin Republic a lesson during the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. McCarthy expressed his satisfaction that Nigeria showed up and defeated Benin Republic 4-0 in the last group match. Due to the defeat, South Africa qualified automatically, while Nigeria advanced to the playoffs. Benin, who had topped Group C heading into the last round of games, was unable to qualify. Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal gave Nigeria the four goals they needed to qualify for the playoffs. “I was at home in the UK and I was watching, keeping a really, really close eye,” McCarthy said to SportyTV. I was cheering them on and hoping Nigeria would defeat Benin.Because South Africa would still be eliminated even if they had won if Benin had defeated Nigeria. “I was happy that Nigeria gave Benin a lesson because it made it possible for us to pass and make it to the World Cup.” In a 2010 World Cup qualifying match, McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals, was part of the team that lost 1-0 to Nigeria.
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