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NSC Backs Super Eagles After Draw with South Africa in 2026 WCQ

Posted : 11 September 2025

Nigeria’s quest for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket remains uncertain after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

 

The hosts started strongly, pressuring Nigeria from both flanks. The situation worsened when Olaoluwa Aina was forced off with an injury in the eighth minute, with Bright Osayi-Samuel coming on as his replacement.

 

Disaster struck in the 25th minute when captain William Ekong inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali wrong-footed and gifting South Africa the lead. However, Nigeria fought back just before halftime as defender Calvin Bassey powered forward and connected with a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to head in the equaliser.

 

The second half saw few clear chances, though substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru came close to securing a victory. With the result, Nigeria moved to 11 points from eight Group C matches ahead of their next fixture against Lesotho on October 10, also in Bloemfontein.

 

Reacting to the draw, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko urged the team to stay focused and assured that the Commission would continue to provide support for Nigeria’s qualification bid. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to sports development, highlighting the President’s vision as an inspiration for Nigerian athletes.

 

Director General Bukola Olopade commended the players for their resilience, noting that securing a point away in South Africa was not easy. He called on Nigerians to unite behind the team, emphasizing that with determination and proper support, the Eagles can finish the qualifiers strongly.

 

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adebiyi, added that the Super Eagles still have a chance to qualify, urging the players to remain focused and reminding them that millions of Nigerians are backing their World Cup dream.

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