Super Eagles Stumble in Bloemfontein, May Miss 2026 World Cup

Nigeria’s quest for a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit another setback on Tuesday after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in a tense Group C qualifier at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana six points clear at the top of the group, tightening their grip on the sole automatic qualification slot ahead of the final round of matches in October.

Nigeria endured an early setback when defender Ola Aina was forced off injured in the 10th minute, with Bright Osayi-Samuel replacing him. The hosts took control of the opening exchanges, pressing with intensity through wingers Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis.

Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute, as Nkota’s dangerous cross deflected off William Troost-Ekong into the Nigerian net for an own goal.

The Super Eagles fought back before halftime and found an equaliser in the 44th minute. Calvin Bassey bundled the ball home from close range after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s clever work on the right flank.

Nigeria introduced Bruno Onyemaechi and Tolu Arokodare after the restart, with the latter nearly putting the visitors ahead five minutes into the second half, only for his strike to drift wide. South Africa responded with their own attacking threat, as defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

Fatigue began to show for the Super Eagles in the closing stages, while Bafana Bafana pressed forward with renewed energy through substitutes Thalente Mbatha and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Despite their efforts, the score remained level at full time.
South Africa will finish their campaign against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Nigeria must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin to keep their World Cup dreams alive.