South Africa and Nigeria ended in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying Group C match at the Free State Stadium.
The result keeps South Africa on top of the table, while Nigeria’s chances of qualifying directly are getting slimmer.
The game began with high intensity, but Nigeria suffered an early blow when Ola Aina got injured in the 10th minute and was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
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South Africa dominated possession with 59% of the ball and had more shots than Nigeria. Their pressure worked in the 25th minute when Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, scored an own goal to give the home side the lead.
Nigeria hit back just before the break. In the 44th minute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru set up Calvin Bassey, who scored to make it 1-1.
In the second half, coach Eric Chelle made changes. Cyriel Dessers, who started as the striker, was replaced by Tolu Arokodare, while Bruno Onyemaechi also came on. South Africa had to substitute Zuko Mdunyelwa in the 63rd minute after he picked up an injury, with Thabiso Monyane taking his place. Nigeria’s injury worries continued as Wilfred Ndidi went off in the 70th minute for Chrisantus Uche.
South Africa were already missing defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane from their last game but still fielded a strong team, with Lyle Foster leading the attack, supported by Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena.
Nigeria were without star striker Victor Osimhen, who got injured in their previous win over Rwanda. That left Dessers to lead the line from the start, with support from Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi.
After eight games, South Africa remain first in Group C with 17 points (five wins, one draw, two losses), while Nigeria sit second with 11 points (two wins, four draws, two losses).
Only the group leader qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The second-placed team will have to go through the playoffs. With just two matches left, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching a seventh World Cup in a row are in serious danger.
