By ANDRE BISYIT
NIGERIA’S Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a crucial Group C qualifier played yesterday in Bloemfontein.
The Eagles, already missing talisman striker, Victor Osimhen, through injury, suffered another early blow when Ola Aina picked up a hamstring injury just six minutes into the game.
His replacement, Bright Osayi-Samuel, was immediately tested, with South Africa threatening on the counter and forcing goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, into two fine saves.
South Africa’s pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Nigerian Captain, William Troost-Ekong, diverted a cross into his own net to hand the hosts the lead.
Tempers flared midway through the half as coaches Eric Chelle and Hugo Broos squared up on the touchline, underlining the intensity of the contest.
Nigeria, however, responded just before the break when Calvin Bassey powered home a header from Osayi-Samuel’s cross in the 44th minute to restore parity.
Despite the lifeline, the Eagles failed to convert their momentum into a winning goal.
Ademola Lookman squandered a golden chance, while Wilfred Ndidi limped off, injured in the 68th minute, further compounding Nigeria’s woes.
The stalemate leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C with 11 points, level with Rwanda, but behind on goal difference.
South Africa remain top with 17 points and now look strong favourites to book an automatic spot at the World Cup.
Our correspondent reports that, although the Eagles are not mathematically out, their qualification chances now hinge on the final two matches — an away trip to Lesotho and a home clash against Benin in November.
But with Benin still holding a game in hand, Nigeria’s path looks increasingly difficult, and only a miracle will see them secure direct qualification.