“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.
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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).