2026 World Cup: How Super Eagles Settled For 1-1 Draw Against South Africa

South Africa has held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw, leaving the Super Eagles on the brink of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

With two matches left to play in the group, Nigeria are 6 points behind South Africa, who are topping Group C with 17 points, while the Super Eagles are on 11 points alongside Benin Republic, who have a match at hand.

Coach Eric Chelle’s men went into the game needing a win to boost their chances of reaching the finals in the United States, but an early setback saw captain William Troost-Ekong score an own goal in the 25th minute, handing the hosts the lead.

From the first whistle, South Africa came out with relentless pressure, eager to exploit the advantage of playing on home soil.

Nigeria responded in the 10th minute, earning a corner after Ademola Lookman sent in a pinpoint cross from the right.

However, South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster was quick to react, clearing the threat with a well-timed header.

In the 25th minute, disaster struck for Nigeria as an unfortunate own goal from captain William Troost-Ekong handed South Africa the lead, putting the Bafana Bafana ahead.

Nigeria refused to be beaten and responded just before half-time.

Calvin Bassey’s header flew into the net to level the score at 1-1, silencing the crowd.

At the break, Nigeria made two bold substitutions to ignite their attack.

Arokodare replaced Dessers, and Onyemaechi came on for Troost-Ekong.

It didn’t take long for Arokodare to make an impact, racing down the left wing, cutting inside with precision, and unleashing a shot that narrowly missed the target.

In the second half, Nigeria slowly began to seize control, with their dominance growing despite South Africa’s unwavering resilience.

In the dying minutes, Nigeria threw everything forward, but the crucial second goal remained out of reach.

The missed opportunity all but dashed their hopes of qualification.

Despite a late surge from Nigeria, the crucial second goal eluded them, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.