Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback on Tuesday after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The Group A clash between the fierce rivals was tense and physical, but Nigeria failed to secure the crucial victory needed to strengthen their qualification hopes.
The evening began poorly for the visitors when captain William Troost-Ekong, making his return to the starting line-up, inadvertently turned a low cross into his own net on 25 minutes while attempting to block a South African attack, Daily Trust reported.
Nigeria responded just before halftime, though not without controversy. Defender Calvin Bassey rose highest to meet a cross and bundled the ball into the net with his hand, but the goal was allowed to stand, bringing the score level at 1-1 in the 44th minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner after the break. Nigeria’s substitute Tolu Arokodare, who had scored the decisive goal against Rwanda in their previous match, came close again, but his strike narrowly missed the target.
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At fulltime, the South African bench erupted in relief, extending their unbeaten run to 17 matches.
The point keeps Hugo Broos’ men firmly on course for qualification, which could be confirmed later in the evening depending on the result of Benin Republic’s match against Lesotho.
For Nigeria, however, the result was a bitter blow. With 11 points from their campaign and only two matches left to play, the Super Eagles now face an uphill task.
Their path to the World Cup depends on mathematical scenarios and favorable results elsewhere, leaving automatic qualification hanging by a thread.
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Image Credit: The Standard
