Our Reporter, Abuja
Nigeria’s dreams of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a devastating hit on Tuesday evening as the Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a tense Group C qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. The result leaves Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico hanging by a thread, with their chances of securing the group’s sole automatic qualification spot all but extinguished.
The Super Eagles, desperate for a win to close the six-point gap on group leaders South Africa, were dealt an early blow when star striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out due to a shin injury sustained in their previous match against Rwanda. Coach Éric Chelle turned to Panathinaikos’ Cyriel Dessers to lead the line, supported by Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite a bright start, Nigeria’s defense faltered in the 25th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned a low cross from South Africa’s Mohau Nkota into his own net, handing Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria responded just before half-time, with Calvin Bassey powering in a bullet header from a well-delivered Dele Bashiru cross in the 44th minute to level the score. The goal sparked hopes of a comeback, and the Super Eagles pushed hard in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Cyriel Dessers at the interval, coming close with a wicked cross from the left flank that eluded everyone when a cutback appeared a more appropriate decision. Despite their pressure, Nigeria couldn’t find a winner, as South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood firm, and a late speculative shot from Chrisantus Uche sailed wide in stoppage time.
The draw leaves South Africa atop Group C with 17 points, six ahead of second-placed Nigeria with 11 points as well as Benin Republic an Rwanda also on the same number of points although Benin has a game in hand.
With only two games remaining—against Lesotho and Benin in October—Nigeria’s chances of overtaking South Africa for the automatic qualification spot are now mathematically slim, requiring not only victories in both matches but also significant stumbles from Bafana Bafana. A potential points deduction for South Africa, due to fielding an ineligible player in a prior match against Lesotho, offers a faint glimmer of hope, but even then, Nigeria’s path to the top remains steep.
Coach Éric Chelle, under pressure after an inconsistent campaign, expressed frustration but remained defiant.
“We came for three points, but we leave with one. It’s not enough, but we’ll keep fighting,” he said post-match.
“The boys showed heart, but we needed more precision.”
South Africa’s Hugo Broos, meanwhile, praised his team’s resilience.
“Nigeria are a strong side, but we held our ground at home. This point keeps us in control,” the elated coach said.
Bafana Bafana, unbeaten in their last three home qualifiers, are all but sure of punching their tickets to the Mundial.
