Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dealt a major blow on Tuesday after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in a tense qualifier in Bloemfontein.
An own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong in the 25th minute gifted Bafana Bafana the lead before Calvin Bassey headed in a first-half equalizer to rescue the Super Eagles. But despite a spirited second-half push, Nigeria could not find the winner that might have revived their qualification chances.
The result leaves South Africa top of Group C with 17 points, six clear of Nigeria on 11. Benin Republic, level on points with the Eagles but with a game in hand, could still overtake them, leaving qualification prospects hanging by a thread with just two matches left.
From the onset, South Africa pressed with intensity, using home advantage to pin Nigeria back. A rare Nigerian attack in the 10th minute nearly broke the deadlock as Ademola Lookman’s cross created panic, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted sharply to clear.
Nigeria’s misery deepened midway through the half when Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts the lead.
The Eagles, however, fought back, and Bassey rose highest just before halftime to power home a contentious header, silencing the Bloemfontein crowd and restoring hope.
Coach Eric Chelle rang changes at the break, bringing on Arokodare and Onyemaechi. Arokodare almost repaid the faith with a solo effort that curled narrowly wide, sparking Nigeria’s most dominant spell of the match.
But as the clock ticked down, the decisive goal refused to come. Despite throwing everything forward in the dying minutes, the Eagles’ finishing failed them, leaving their qualification chances in grave danger.
With only two fixtures left and South Africa firmly in control, Nigeria’s World Cup dream now depends on a near-miraculous turnaround.
