Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday suffered a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium.
The match was an opportunity for Nigeria to climb the Group C standings, but the stalemate has left their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
The Super Eagles, currently second in Group C, share the same 11 points with Benin Republic, and trail leaders South Africa by six points with only two matches left.
Nigeria fell behind when captain William Ekong deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving South Africa the lead.
Just before halftime, Nigeria struck back. Lookman created the move from midfield, Simon delivered a pinpoint cross, and Calvin Bassey rose to head in the equaliser.
Replays suggested the ball may have touched his arm, but with no VAR in play, the goal stood.
However, the draw is not enough to keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup alive.
Nigeria can only hope Benin lose to Lesotho in their match against Lesotho, Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, South Africa have become favourite to emerge the group winner.
FIFA had earlier predicted 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.”
Despite drawing in Pretoria, they are inches away from glory.
Nigeria’s qualifying is mathematically possible but improbable.
They need to win both remaining matches (vs Lesotho and Benin) to finish on 17 points (11 + 6).
South Africa must lose both of their remaining matches to also finish on 17 points (17 + 0).
If both finish on 17, the group winner is decided by the usual tiebreakers.
So Nigeria would need not only six points but also a better goal difference than South Africa by the end of Matchday 10.
Nigeria cannot finish clear of South Africa on points unless South Africa take zero points from their last two games while Nigeria wins both.
