Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dealt a heavy blow on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles went into the match needing victory to keep their hopes alive, following a narrow 1-0 home win over Rwanda. But an own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong handed the hosts the lead in the first half.
Calvin Bassey equalised with a powerful header before the break, but neither side could find the winner in the second half.
With the result, South Africa now sit on 17 points, six ahead of Nigeria, who remain in third place with just two fixtures left to play.
