South Africa held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier match, which took place on September 9, 2025, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The match saw South Africa take the lead in the 25th minute with an own goal from William Troost-Ekong, but Nigeria who were without star strker Victor Osimhen equalized before halftime with a goal.
Calvin Bassey scored in the 44th minute.
The draw might affect Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently hold third position in their group with 11 points while South Africa ranks first with 17 points with 2 games to go.
To rub more salt on the wounds of Nigerians Benin Republic won Lesotho by a whooping 4 – 0 to move to second with 14 points.
The Super Eagles will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches to revive their World Cup ambitions.
