The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The result left Nigeria’s world cup hopes hanging by a thread, with team six points behind South Africa in Group C.
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal in the 25th minute, giving South Africa the lead.
Calvin Bassey headed in a pinpoint cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru just before halftime to level the score at 1-1.
Nigeria dominated the second half but failed to score the crucial second goal, despite creating several chances.
Nigeria needs to win their remaining two matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic and hope other teams in the group drop points to keep their world cup qualification hopes alive.
South Africa, on the other hand, is in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, needing just a point from their final two games.
