Nigeria’s chances of securing direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a dent on Tuesday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in a Group C clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The result keeps Bafana Bafana six points clear at the top of the table with just two matches left, leaving them firmly in control of the group.
Nigeria were dealt an early blow when Ola Aina went off injured after just 10 minutes. South Africa, sharper in the opening stages, took advantage in the 25th minute. Mohau Nkota latched onto a through ball before drilling in a low cross that William Troost-Ekong turned into his own net.
The Super Eagles responded well and levelled on the stroke of half-time, as Calvin Bassey scrambled home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cutback.
The second half saw Nigeria threaten through substitute Tolu Arokodare, while South Africa nearly regained the lead via Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s audacious long-range effort. In the closing stages, the hosts looked the fresher side but couldn’t find a winner.
Nigeria now face Lesotho and Benin in October, while South Africa take on Zimbabwe and Rwanda to wrap up the group.
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