Nigeria’s World Cup hopes suffered a major setback after a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
The Super Eagles must now win remaining matches and rely on rivals dropping crucial points.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, leaving their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in serious jeopardy.
The match, billed as a must-win for Nigeria, saw both goals come in the first half. A costly own goal from Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong in the 25th minute gifted South Africa the lead. But just before the break, Calvin Bassey rose highest to head home an equaliser that silenced the home crowd and gave Nigeria a lifeline.
The result leaves South Africa top of Group C with 17 points, six clear of Nigeria on 11 points. Benin Republic, also on 11 points but with a game in hand, remains firmly in contention to overtake the Super Eagles in the qualification race.
Only the group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification, making dropped points particularly damaging for Nigeria.
South Africa started brightly, pressing high and forcing Nigeria onto the defensive.
Nigeria threatened in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman’s cross created danger in the box, but Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (not Foster) reacted well to clear the danger.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistence when Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net midway through the first half. Nigeria, however, fought back and equalised in the 40th minute through Bassey’s header controversial to the South African players, who felt there was a foul in the build-up.
Coach Finidi George made tactical changes at halftime, introducing Arokodare for Cyriel Dessers and Bruno Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong.
Arokodare almost made an immediate impact with a strong solo run and shot that just missed the target.
In the second half, Nigeria gained more possession and pushed forward aggressively, but South Africa’s backline held firm. Despite sustained pressure and late chances, the Super Eagles could not find the crucial winner.
With only two group matches remaining, Nigeria’s route to the World Cup is dangerously narrow. They must now rely on winning their remaining fixtures and hope South Africa or the Benin Republic falter.
The draw continues a worrying trend for the Super Eagles, who have struggled to turn dominance into victories during the qualifiers. For South Africa, however, the result strengthens their position at the top of the group and edges them closer to a return to the world stage.
