BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (BN24) — Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium, leaving both teams with a point in their World Cup qualifying group.
South Africa started aggressively, leveraging their home advantage. Nigeria’s first corner came in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross, but goalkeeper Foster cleared the danger with a header. The visitors fell behind in the 25th minute when South Africa forced an own goal from Nigeria’s captain, Troost-Ekong, giving Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria responded before halftime as Bassey powered a controversial header into the net to level the score at 1-1. At the break, Nigeria made two substitutions to bolster their attack, bringing on Arokodare for Dessers and Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare made an immediate impact with a lively run, while Dele-Bashiru tested the South African defense with a blocked shot.
Nigeria gradually gained control in the second half despite South Africa’s resilience. Both sides made several substitutions, with Nigeria’s Ndidi leaving injured and replaced by Uche, and Chukwueze coming on for Simon. South Africa also made tactical changes to manage the closing stages.
Late in the match, Nigeria’s Uche had a chance to take the lead but his low shot rolled wide. The draw leaves South Africa atop Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria sits on 11 points, with qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
The African 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are played under a new format where nine group winners automatically qualify, and the four best second-placed teams enter a playoff for an intercontinental spot. Nigeria, aiming for their seventh World Cup appearance, must now win all remaining matches and rely on slip-ups from South Africa, who face a possible three-point deduction over an ineligible player controversy.
Benin Republic and Rwanda, both with 11 points, also remain strong contenders in the group.
