Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, leaving both sides with a share of the points in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
South Africa started the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively to exploit their home advantage. Nigeria carved out their first opening in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross from the right, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams Foster rose to head clear.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute for the hosts after Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, was forced into conceding an own goal, handing Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria responded just before half-time, with Calvin Bassey powering in a controversial header to level the game at 1-1.
Second-Half Adjustments
The Super Eagles made two substitutions at the break: Tolu Arokodare replaced Cyriel Dessers, while Bruno Onyemaechi came in for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare quickly made his presence felt, making a strong run down the left before cutting inside and shooting narrowly wide.
Moments later, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also tested the South African defence with a strike from the edge of the box, but his attempt was blocked.
Nigeria began to dominate possession, though South Africa showed resilience. Around the hour mark, the hosts brought on Monyane for the injured Mdunyelma.
The Super Eagles then suffered a setback when Wilfred Ndidi limped off and was replaced by Uche. Coach Finidi George later introduced Samuel Chukwueze for Moses Simon as Nigeria completed their five substitutions.
South Africa responded with further changes, introducing Mbatha for Mbule and Sebelebele for Appollis, aiming to contain Nigeria’s pressure.
The visitors came close to snatching victory late on when Uche drilled a low shot from the right, but it rolled just wide.
Qualification Picture
The new African qualifying format grants automatic World Cup tickets to nine group winners, while the four best runners-up will contest a play-off for an intercontinental spot.
With this result, South Africa remain top of Group C with 17 points, tightening their grip on qualification. Nigeria, with 11 points, sit just behind Benin Republic and Rwanda, who are also on 11 points but with Benin still having a game in hand.
Having already dropped points in earlier draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles now face a must-win scenario in all their remaining fixtures, while hoping for South Africa to slip up in their last two matches.
South Africa’s progress could still be complicated by a potential three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, but Nigeria’s qualification hopes are now hanging by a thread.
Match Takeaway
Despite showing resilience to bounce back from an early setback, Nigeria’s defensive lapses and missed chances proved costly. The Super Eagles will need sharper finishing and tighter organisation if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
ADEOLA KUNLE
