2026 WCQs: Nigeria hopes teeter in 1-1 draw vs South Africa
Nigeria’s Super Eagles hopes to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hangs in the balance after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa.
The game at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, saw South Africa take the lead through an own goal by William Troost-Ekong, after a failed effort to clear a cross.
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Nigeria responded aggressively, dominating possession but struggling to create clear chances.
Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Calvin Bassey equalized for Nigeria, heading in a cross from Dele Bashiru, though replays suggested the ball may have struck his arm.
The second half saw both teams push for a winner.
Nigeria’s Tolu Arokodare, replacing the injured Victor Osimhen, nearly scored, firing just wide from a tight angle.
South Africa’s Lyle Foster troubled Nigeria’s backline, but Bassey’s timely interventions kept the score level.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a breakthrough, and the match ended with the points shared.
South Africa remain atop Group C with 17 points from eight matches, while Nigeria, with 11 points, leapfrog to the second position, pending Benin Republic’s result against Lesotho later tonight’s .X,