Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein. The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. However, Calvin Bassey restored parity just before halftime, heading in from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross. Head coach Eric Chelle made several changes from the side that edged Rwanda last week, starting Troost-Ekong, Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers. But Nigeria’s plans suffered an early blow when Ola Aina limped off after just 10 minutes, forcing Bright Osayi-Samuel into action. South Africa dominated the opening spell and forced goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into key saves before the own-goal gave them the advantage. Nigeria gradually grew into the contest, and Bassey’s equalizer gave them hope heading into the break. Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi early in the second half, and Arokodare came close twice, including a blocked effort from substitute Christantus Uche’s pass. Despite sustained pressure, the Eagles could not find a winner. The result leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, sitting six points adrift of South Africa with only two matches left against Lesotho and Benin in October.
2026 World Cup: Hope dims for Super Eagles after draw with South Africa
