Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major blow on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein. The result leaves Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread, with just two games remaining in the group stage.
The Super Eagles, who last appeared at the World Cup in 2018 in Russia, now risk missing back-to-back tournaments. They currently sit six points behind group leaders South Africa, who are firmly on course to return to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
The match in Bloemfontein saw South Africa take the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong. Defender Calvin Bassey later pulled one back for Nigeria, but despite a spirited second-half performance, the team failed to find a winner.
Nigeria’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with five draws in eight matches and only one win — a narrow victory over Rwanda just four days ago in Uyo. Now tied on 11 points with Benin Republic, who have a game in hand, Nigeria faces an uphill task to even secure a play-off spot.
As the group stage winds down, the Super Eagles must win their remaining fixtures and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
