World Cup 2026 (Q): South Africa and Nigeria play out a draw, Super Eagles in danger | OneFootball

A shared result that jeopardizes the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.

World Cup 2026 (Q) / South Africa 1-1 Nigeria

The Super Eagles were held to a crucial draw by the Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night (1-1). This disappointing result leaves Nigeria in a precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. South Africa solidifies its position as Group C leaders with 17 points.

Nigeria endured a tough night in the South African plains. Up against a well-organized and highly motivated Bafana Bafana squad, Eric Chelle's men failed to capitalize on their opportunities. This match, part of the eighth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, carried immense significance for both teams.

A first half full of twists and turns

South Africa seized the initiative early on. Mohau Nkota came close to opening the scoring in the opening minutes, his header sailing just over the bar from a pinpoint Oswin Appollis cross. The Bafana Bafana kept up the pressure and Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to step up to stop a powerful strike from Appollis. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, but unfortunately for Nigeria, it was in the wrong net. William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned a Nkota cross into his own goal. That own goal ignited the home crowd and made the visitors' task even tougher.

The Super Eagles, however, found the resolve to level the score before halftime. Calvin Bassey nodded home from a Bright Osayi-Samuel cross, after Osayi-Samuel had come on for the injured Ola Aina early in the match. The Aston Villa defender gave his side a glimmer of hope after a tough first half.

Major implications in the standings, Nigeria under pressure

After the break, Eric Chelle tried to add more firepower to his attack by bringing on Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare for Cyril Dessers. This draw benefits South Africa far more than Nigeria. The Bafana Bafana strengthen their grip on top spot in Group C with 17 points, maintaining a six-point cushion over the Super Eagles, who now have 11 points.

With only two matchdays remaining in these qualifiers, the situation has become critical for Nigeria. Eric Chelle’s men must win both of their final matches in October against Lesotho and Benin, while hoping that South Africa slip up against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The math is still possible, but the task is daunting.