Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another major hit as the Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles entered the game trailing Bafana Bafana by six points in Group C, knowing only a win would keep their qualification dreams alive. But instead of closing the gap, Nigeria were left clinging to fading hopes.
An own goal from William Troost-Ekong put South Africa in front, before Calvin Bassey’s powerful header salvaged a point for the visitors. Despite the equalizer, the result leaves Nigeria in a near-impossible situation.
To qualify, Eric Chelle’s men must now win both of their remaining fixtures and hope South Africa lose theirs. Even then, Nigeria would also need to overturn a six-goal deficit in goal difference — a daunting challenge with time running out.
It was a must-win match for the Super Eagles, but instead it ended in frustration and a World Cup dream slipping further away.
