‘I was hoping Nigeria beat Benin’ - McCarthy expresses joy after Super Eagles helped South Africa secure World Cup ticket

Heading into the final matchday of the Group C qualifiers, Benin led the standings and a win against the Super Eagles would have guaranteed them a historic World Cup berth. 

However, Nigeria dashed those hopes with a resounding 4-0 victory, thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a late goal from Frank Onyeka.

The result was crucial for South Africa, whose own win was only meaningful because of Nigeria's performance. 

McCarthy, who remains South Africa's all-time leading goalscorer with 31 goals, revealed he was anxiously following the qualifiers from his home in the United Kingdom.

"I was at home in the UK and I was watching, keeping a really, really close eye on what's happening because the last time Bafana qualified for the World Cup, I played," he told SportyTV. 

"So, that's a very long time not to qualify. I was rooting for them and hoping that they win and that Nigeria beat Benin."

The former striker highlighted the high stakes of the final day, noting, "Because even if South Africa had won, if Benin beat Nigeria, South Africa is still out."

"I was pleased Nigeria taught Benin a lesson because it opened the door for us to walk through and qualify for the World Cup."

The victory gave the Super Eagles a chance to grab a World Cup ticket, having qualified for the playoffs.

Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 in the first playoff game, but lost 4-3 on penalty shootout to DR Congo, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The Super Eagles are now concentrating on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following the conclusion of their World Cup qualification campaign.