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Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium.
The result denied Nigeria a crucial chance to climb the Group C standings and has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The Eagles remain third with 11 points—level with Benin Republic—but trail leaders South Africa by six points with only two games left.
An own goal by captain William Ekong, who deflected Nkota’s cross into the net, handed South Africa the lead. Nigeria equalised just before halftime when Lookman initiated a move, Simon provided the delivery, and Calvin Bassey headed home. Though replays hinted at a possible handball, the absence of VAR meant the goal stood.
Still, the draw fell short of Nigeria’s needs. Their fate now partly depends on Benin’s clash with Lesotho. A loss for Benin would keep Nigeria’s faint hopes alive.
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 6 | +8 | 17 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 11 |
| 3 | Benin | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 4 | Rwanda | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 11 |
| 5 | Lesotho | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 6 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 11 | -6 | 4 |
Meanwhile, South Africa have become favourite to emerge the group winner.
FIFA had earlier noted that South Africa would secure early qualification with a win over Nigeria if Benin failed to beat Lesotho. While the Bafana Bafana missed that chance, they remain firmly on course.
For Nigeria, progress is now mathematically possible but highly unlikely. The Super Eagles must win their remaining two fixtures against Lesotho and Benin to finish on 17 points, while hoping South Africa lose both of theirs. Even then, goal difference could decide the group winner.
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