Nigeria’s hopes of securing a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket remain alive after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles endured a tough evening, with Bafana Bafana dominating large spells of possession and creating more chances. However, a scrappy equaliser from Calvin Bassey ensured Nigeria left with a valuable point.
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First Half – Drama and Equaliser
South Africa struck first in the 25th minute when Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Nigeria, struggling to cope with South Africa’s relentless pressing, gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Bassey, having initiated the move, bundled home Ademola Lookman’s return cross in the 44th minute to level the score.
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Second Half – Intensity, Injuries, and Close Calls
The restart brought more drama, with Nigeria making changes as Arokodare replaced Dessers and Onyemaechi came on for Troost-Ekong. Both sides battled fiercely, with heavy tackles, stoppages, and heated exchanges on the touchline between coaches Eric Chelle and Hugo Broos.
South Africa continued to pile forward, forcing key interventions from Fredricks and Osayi-Samuel, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained alert to deny Appollis and Foster. Nigeria also had moments of promise, notably when Arokodare troubled Ngezana, already on a yellow card.
As the match wore on, tempers flared, and injuries disrupted the flow. Mdunyelwa was forced off, while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams required treatment but played on.
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Final Stages – Tense but No Winner
The closing minutes saw South Africa pressing hard for a winner. Iwobi’s clearance from a late corner only fell to Mbatha, who blazed over. Onyemaechi’s late foul on Nkota earned him a booking as Nigeria clung on.
Despite seven minutes of added time, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the contest ended level.
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Group C Situation
The result keeps South Africa top of Group C with 16 points following their earlier win against Lesotho. Nigeria, now on 10 points from seven matches, remain in a tense battle for qualification.
The Super Eagles will need sharper finishing and improved control in their remaining fixtures if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
