“Nigeria gave them a lesson”, Benni McCarthy hails the Super Eagles after their display against Benin
Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy praised Nigeria for their crushing victory over Benin. A decisive win that allowed South Africa to secure its ticket for the 2026 World Cup.
Former South African international Benni McCarthy hailed the Super Eagles’ brilliant performance against Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The ex-Bafana striker did not hide his satisfaction after Nigeria’s big 4-0 win, a decisive result that shook up Group C’s standings on the final matchday.
This heavy defeat proved costly for the Cheetahs, who were top before kick-off but ultimately denied direct qualification. Nigeria earned a place in the playoffs, while South Africa clinched their spot in the World Cup. The Super Eagles, needing to win by at least four goals, completed their task thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a late strike from Frank Onyeka.
“I was at home in the UK, I was following the match closely… I was backing them and hoping Nigeria would win,” McCarthy told SportyTV. “Even if South Africa won, a Benin victory would have eliminated us. I’m really pleased that Nigeria taught Benin a lesson — it opened the way for us and allowed us to qualify for the World Cup.”
An iconic figure in South African football, McCarthy — the Bafana’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals — hasn’t forgotten that he himself lost to Nigeria during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers (a 1-0 defeat).
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