Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a heavy blow on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The result leaves Nigeria’s qualification chances in jeopardy, with the team now trailing group leaders South Africa by six points. The Bafana Bafana sit top of Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria remain on 11 points alongside Benin Republic, who still have a game in hand.
South Africa began the clash with ferocious intensity, pressing high and looking to capitalize on home advantage. Nigeria responded in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted sharply to clear the threat.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting South Africa the lead.
Nigeria, however, struck back on the stroke of half-time. Calvin Bassey rose highest to power home a header—controversial yet emphatic—that stunned the home crowd and brought the visitors level at 1-1.
At the interval, head coach Eric Chelle made bold changes, with Tolu Arokodare replacing Cyriel Dessers and Bruno Onyemaechi coming on for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare nearly made an immediate impact, surging down the left and cutting inside before firing just wide.
The Super Eagles began to dictate play in the second half, forcing South Africa onto the back foot. Despite their growing dominance, Nigeria struggled to convert pressure into goals.
As the game wore on, the visitors piled men forward in search of a winner, but their profligacy in front of goal proved costly. The final whistle confirmed a draw that leaves their World Cup qualification dream hanging by a thread.
