Nigeria’s Super Eagles World Cup qualification dreams took a huge hit following a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The Group A encounter between the perennial rivals produced a gritty and feisty display, but Eric Chelle’s side could not take the maximum points Nigeria requires to improve hoods of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
William Troost-Ekong, who returned to the starting line-up, scored an own goal to hand South Africa the lead, while Calvin Bassey’s controversial goal restored parity, but both sides could not net the winner.
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A swift attack saw Ekong divert a low cross beyond Stanley Nwabali while trying to prevent a tap-in for South Africa, handing Hugo Broos’ side a 1-0 lead on 25 minutes.
The hosts continued to probe, but Nigeria worked its way back into the match and level matters on 44 minutes when Bassey rose highest to head home a cross via his hand.
Both sides threatened in the second half as Tolu Arokodare, hero in the win over Rwanda, who came on for the inexistent Cyril Dessers at halftime, saw his effort flash across the goal line.
The fulltime whistle saw light celebration among the South Africans, with the technical crew beaming with smiles as they increased their unbeaten streak to 17 matches, and claimed a point that moved them on the brink of World Cup qualification that can be confirmed later at night if Benin Republic fail to defeat Lesotho.
It was grim feeling for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles, with 11 points and two matches left, need mathematical alignments and miracle to seal automatic qualification or snap up a playoffs place.
