Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup take a major blow on Tuesday after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.
The match, played at the Free State Stadium, was a crucial opportunity for Nigeria to close the gap in Group C, but the result leaves them six points adrift of group leaders South Africa with only two games remaining.
The Super Eagles fell behind in the first half when captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned a Nkota cross into his own net. However, just before the break, Calvin Bassey levelled the score with a header from a Moses Simon cross after Ademola Lookman initiated the attack. Replays suggested the ball might have brushed Bassey’s arm, but with no VAR in operation, the goal stood.
Despite the equaliser, the draw does little to improve Nigeria’s qualification chances. They now sit second in the group with 11 points, the same tally as Benin Republic and Rwanda, while South Africa top the standings with 17 points.
For Nigeria to qualify, they must win their remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin, while hoping South Africa lose both of theirs. Even in that scenario, goal difference could prove decisive, making the Super Eagles’ path to the World Cup mathematically possible but highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, South Africa, buoyed by their consistent form, are now favourites to clinch the group’s sole automatic qualification spot. FIFA had earlier noted that Bafana Bafana would have secured qualification outright had they beaten Nigeria and Benin failed to win against Lesotho.
Group C standings after Nigeria vs South Africa
- South Africa – 17 pts
- Nigeria – 11 pts
- Benin – 11 pts (with a game in hand)
- Rwanda – 11 pts
- Lesotho – 6 pts
- Zimbabwe – 4 pts
Nigeria’s hopes now rest not only on their own performances but also on results elsewhere in the group.
