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South Africa Hold Nigeria to 1-1 Draw in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Posted : 09 September 2025

Nigeria’s quest to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw against South Africa in a vital Group C qualifying match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

 

The Super Eagles started the game on the back foot when captain William Troost-Ekong accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. Despite this early setback, Nigeria managed to level the score shortly before halftime. Calvin Bassey converted a rebound to equalize, although the goal carried a touch of fortune as the ball appeared to deflect off his arm before crossing the line.

 

The second half saw both sides striving for a winning goal, but neither could find the breakthrough. Nigeria’s attacking efforts were notably weakened by the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, who was sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in their previous match against Rwanda. His absence was keenly felt as Nigeria struggled to mount sustained offensive pressure.

 

With the draw, Nigeria now sits on 11 points from eight matches, trailing South Africa, who top the group with 17 points. Only the group winner earns automatic qualification, making Nigeria’s chances increasingly slim. The team will need victories in all their remaining matches while hoping South Africa falters, in addition to narrowing the current six-goal deficit in goal difference.

 

While the Super Eagles demonstrated resilience by recovering from an early goal, the draw leaves their 2026 World Cup ambitions hanging by a thread. With only a few matches left, Nigeria faces a challenging road ahead to secure a place at the tournament.

 

 

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