The Super Eagles have suffered a hit to their World Cup hopes despite coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their qualifier at the Free State Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria needed a victory to increase their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup but it was South Africa who started the game on the front foot, controlling possession and pushing high up the pitch. The Super Eagles’ defense, however, stood firm to deny the hosts an early breakthrough.
Nigeria then suffered an early setback when Ola Aina limped off injured and was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel, forcing coach Eric Chelle into a tactical reshuffle. Soon after, Bafana Bafana came close to taking the lead, but Stanley Nwabali produced a stunning save to keep the score level.
The pressure eventually paid off for South Africa in the 27th minute when a dangerous cross into the box forced Troost-Ekong to inadvertently steer the ball past his own goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures. Buoyed by the goal, Hugo Broos’ men played with increased confidence, dictating the tempo and forcing Nigeria to chase the game.
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Nonetheless, Nigeria gradually grew into the contest and found their rhythm towards the closing stages of the first half. Their persistence was rewarded on the stroke of halftime when Calvin Bassey rose highest to head home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s brilliant cross, restoring parity and silencing the home crowd.
Eric Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare for Cyriel Dessers and Bruno Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong after the restart and Arokodare almost made an instant impact, narrowly missing the target with a fine effort five minutes into his introduction.
South Africa also nearly reclaimed the lead moments later with an audacious long-range attempt from the halfway line, but the effort sailed just over the bar with Nwabali off his line.
Nigeria pushed for a winner late on, with Samuel Chukwueze and Chrisantus Uche brought in to add attacking impetus. However, South Africa’s defense remained resolute, and both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils after an intense, end-to-end finale.
The draw leaves South Africa on top of Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria move into second place with 11 points, level with Benin and Rwanda, who sit third and fourth respectively.
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