An own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and a first-half equalizer from Calvin Bassey saw Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The result leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread. With just two games remaining in the group stage, the Super Eagles sit six points behind group leaders South Africa, who now have 17 points. Nigeria, tied on 11 points with Benin Republic—who have a game in hand—must now rely on results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
South Africa started brightly, using home advantage to press Nigeria high from the outset. The Super Eagles responded in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman whipped in a dangerous cross, forcing a corner. However, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was alert and cleared the danger.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, but not in the way Nigeria would have hoped. A mix-up at the back saw Troost-Ekong inadvertently put the ball into his own net, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria bounced back just before halftime. A powerful and somewhat controversial header from Bassey found the back of the net, drawing the Super Eagles level and silencing the home crowd.
At the interval, Nigeria made two bold changes: Arokodare came on for the ineffective Dessers, while Onyemaechi replaced the struggling Troost-Ekong. The move almost paid off immediately, with Arokodare cutting in from the left and unleashing a fierce shot that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Nigeria gradually took control of the game, dictating the tempo and pushing for a winner. South Africa, however, remained disciplined and organized in defense.
Despite a late surge, the Super Eagles couldn’t find the decisive goal. The final whistle confirmed a frustrating result that leaves Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup perilously narrow.
