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Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes dimmed after a 1–1 draw in South Africa.
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Troost-Ekong’s own goal gave the hosts the lead before Bassey equalised.
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The Super Eagles now face mounting pressure in Group C.
Nigeria were held to a 1–1 draw by South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, leaving the Super Eagles’ route to the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt.
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An own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong gave the hosts the lead in the 25th minute, but Calvin Bassey headed a controversial equaliser just before half-time.
With two matches left, South Africa top Group C on 17 points while Nigeria sit on 11; Benin also have 11 but a game in hand.
After the early setback, Nigeria regrouped and pushed forward.
At half-time the coach introduced Arokodare and Onyemaechi to add urgency, and Arokodare’s direct play soon tested the home back line.
In the second half both sides made changes as they chased a winner; Uche had a late low shot that drifted wide.
Despite the comeback, neither side found a decisive goal.
The draw underlines Nigeria’s resilience but also exposes defensive lapses that must be fixed if the Super Eagles are to revive their 2026 World Cup qualification bid.
Consistently, Nigeria must convert chances and tighten at the back in the remaining fixtures.
