Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hang by a thread following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa in a crucial Group C clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The match began with South Africa taking an unexpected lead in the 15th minute through an own goal by Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong. The defender misjudged a cross, resulting in the ball deflecting off him into his own net, putting the Super Eagles on the back foot early in the game.
Determined to respond, Nigeria dominated possession for much of the first half, patiently building attacks through the wings and central areas, but struggled to convert their pressure into clear-cut chances. Despite the challenge, their persistence paid off just before halftime.
In the 44th minute, Calvin Bassey rose to head in a perfectly timed cross from Dele Bashiru, leveling the score for Nigeria. Replays suggested the ball may have struck Bassey’s arm before going in, but the goal stood, giving the Eagles a morale boost heading into the break.
The second half saw an intense battle, with both teams searching for a winner. Nigeria made a tactical substitution, bringing on Tolu Arokodare for the injured Victor Osimhen. Arokodare nearly turned the game in Nigeria’s favor, firing narrowly wide from a tight angle, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
South Africa, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Lyle Foster testing Nigeria’s backline multiple times. However, timely interventions from Bassey and Troost-Ekong ensured that the Eagles remained level.
As the match drew to a close, both teams applied late pressure, creating a few more opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock. The match ended 1-1, leaving Nigeria with a crucial point but still facing a challenging path to the World Cup.
With the draw, South Africa maintained their position atop Group C with 17 points from eight matches. Nigeria moved to second place with 11 points, awaiting the outcome of Benin Republic’s fixture against Lesotho later tonight, which could influence the group standings and the Eagles’ qualification chances.
Despite the result, the Super Eagles displayed resilience and determination, signaling that while their journey to the 2026 World Cup is complicated, they remain a formidable force in African football and will look to capitalize on upcoming matches to secure their spot in the tournament.