WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: NIGERIA’S WORLD CUP DREAMS ON LIFE SUPPORT AFTER DRAW WITH SOUTH AFRICA
Super Eagles concede early own goal, rally for a late equaliser, but leave Bloemfontein with just a point, leaving their 2026 qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Nigeria’s bid for a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance hit a critical setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by group leaders South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. With qualification hopes slipping, this result puts the Super Eagles in a perilous position heading into their final matches.
From the outset, the Super Eagles looked vulnerable. After just 10 minutes, defender Ola Aina was forced off due to injury and was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel, a disruption that South Africa quickly capitalised on.
In the 25th minute, Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned home a through-ball from Mohau Nkota, putting the hosts ahead.
Nigeria responded positively and, just before halftime, Calvin Bassey bundled home a cross following sustained pressure to level matters at 1-1.
The second half saw tactical changes from Nigeria, Bruno Onyemaechi and Tolu Arokodare were introduced but despite renewed vigour, Nigeria couldn’t find a winner. South Africa threatened in spurts but couldn’t break through a resilient Super Eagles defence.
The draw leaves South Africa six points clear atop Group C, with only two matchdays remaining. Nigeria now face an uphill battle: victories in their upcoming games against Lesotho (away) and Benin (home) are essential if they are to qualify directly or even push for one of the four runner-up playoff spots.
By: Itoro Etukudo
Source: Reuters
