Olushola Omogbehin
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday played a disappointing1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
As Nigeria’s match against South Africa was an opportunity for Nigeria to climb the Group C standings, it turned out to making their dream of qualifying for the seventh FIFA World Cup tournament an illusion.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles came into the fixture with the expectation of claiming all the three points so as to revive their dangling hope of reaching next summer’s game in North America, while the South Africans were hoping for a good turn out of event in order to retain their healthy points advantage in Group C.
Nigeria suffered an early setback within ten minutes of the game opening as full-back Ola Aina had to be subbed off after picking up an injury.
Further disappointment came for Nigeria when captain William Ekong deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving South Africa the lead. Just before halftime, Nigeria struck back as Lookman created the move from midfield, Simon delivered a pinpoint cross and Calvin Bassey rose to head in the equaliser.
In the second half, the Eagles saw the ball more better than the first half but could not create any clear goal scoring privilege despite many replacements.
Meanwhile, FIFA had earlier predicted that Bafana Bafana could become the third team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they beat Nigeria.
FIFA wrote, “Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup 26 qualification today!
“Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria and Benin fail to beat Lesotho.”
According to Punch reports, South Africa currently have 17 points from eight games, six points clear of Nigeria who have 11 points from the same number of matches played.
To have any realistic chance of qualifying therefore, Super Eagles need to finish in the top two in Group C. Eric Chelle’s men must win their remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic and also hope others in the group drop points, to have a shot at World Cup qualification.
