Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana played a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
An own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and an equaliser from Calvin Bassey saw Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw in the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria needed an outright win to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
They had earlier defeated Rwanda 1-0 on Matchday 7 in Uyo, but still sat fourth on the six-team table with 11 points.
South Africa led the group with 16 points and were looking to widen the gap.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 25th minute through an own goal by Troost-Ekong.
The defender deflected the ball into his own net following a defensive mix-up.
Nottingham Forest appoint Postecoglou as new coach
The Super Eagles equalised in the 44th minute through Calvin Bassey.
The Fulham defender rose highest to head home from a corner kick.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half but failed to break the deadlock.
Goalkeepers on both sides made crucial saves to keep the score level.
The result left Nigeria on 11 points with only two matches remaining.
Their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup are now effectively over.
The Super Eagles will play their final group matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic on October 6 and October 13, respectively.
- S’Court rejects Tinubu’s pardon, affirms Maryam Sanda’s death sentence - December 12, 2025
- Messi to unveil 70ft statue during ‘GOAT’ tour in India - December 12, 2025
- EPL fixtures: All eyes on Salah in Liverpool-Brighton game as Arsenal host Wolves - December 12, 2025
