By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a heavy blow on Tuesday after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein. The result leaves the Super Eagles on the brink of elimination, with only two qualifying matches left to play.
The hosts, backed by a raucous Free State Stadium crowd, struck first midway through the opening half when Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.
Nigeria, however, responded just before the break. Defender Calvin Bassey, deployed at left-back, rose highest to head home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s pinpoint delivery in the 44th minute, restoring parity and silencing the home fans momentarily.
The evening began with early frustration for the Eagles, as fullback Ola Aina was forced off injured within the first 10 minutes, replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Head coach Eric Chelle, already dealing with the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, had shuffled his lineup from the narrow win over Rwanda, handing starts to Troost-Ekong, Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers.
Despite Nigeria’s improved spell towards halftime, South Africa remained the sharper side in transition, forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into several saves to keep the scoreline level.
At the restart, Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi for Dessers and Troost-Ekong respectively, seeking more attacking edge. Arokodare was lively, carving out two half-chances and combining well with substitute Christantus Uche, but the finishing touch eluded Nigeria.
South Africa, disciplined in defence and energetic in midfield, absorbed Nigeria’s late pressure and held firm until the final whistle. The 1-1 draw leaves the Bafana Bafana six points clear of Nigeria in the group standings, with just two rounds of qualifiers remaining.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, must now win their remaining fixtures in October against Lesotho and Benin — and hope South Africa slips — to have any chance of making the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For a nation that has featured in six of the last eight editions, the prospect of missing out is a sobering reality.
