Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is all but over, despite a brave 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles came into the game in Bloemfontein on the back of a narrow 1-0 home win over Rwanda.
Eric Chelle’s men knew that only victory against Bafana Bafana would keep their chances of qualifying alive.
But it was South Africa who took the lead in the first half, after captain William Troost-Ekong put the ball into his own net.
Nigeria fought back to level the game through Calvin Bassey’s powerful header before the break.
There were no goals in the second half, as both teams settled for a point apiece.
The result means South Africa now have 17 points, six more than second-placed Nigeria with two fixtures left. However, Benin Republic could climb back up if they take anything from their match against Lesotho.
