An improved Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to beat South Africa at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, following a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
William Troost-Ekong’s own-goal handed the South Africans the lead before a Calvin Bassey header before halftime got Nigeria back on level terms.
Nigeria travelled to Bloemfontein with everything on the line against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, made changes to the starting XI after the narrow win over Rwanda, by handing starts to skipper William Troost-Ekong, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers in place of Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, and injured Victor Osimhen.
On a bumpy Free State Stadium pitch, the Super Eagles were dealt a huge blow when fullback Ola Aina limped off in the 10th minute. The Nottingham Forest man was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel as the Eagles reorganized for the game.
It was the South Africans who were confident on the pitch, and got into good positions in the early exchanges. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into a smart save before the South Africans went in front midway through the half.
A cross from the left side of Nigeria’s defence was unfortunately turned into the net by William Troost-Ekong.
That goal woke the Nigerians up and they started to get their rhythm in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Calvin Bassey, deployed in the left back position, started the attacking move, before getting on the end of Dele-Bashiru’s fine cross for the equalizer in the 44th minute.
The home side were under intense pressure in the final moments of the first half, but it remained 1-1 at the break.
Before the start of the second half, Nigeria’s goalscorer against Rwanda, Tolu Arokodare, was sent on in place of Cyriel Dessers, while Bruno Onyemaechi was also introduced as Troost-Ekong’s replacement.
Just moments after the game got underway, Tolu Arokodare flashed a ball across the face of goal after he went past his marker. With 15 minutes to go, Tolu also saw his effort blocked after a fine ball from substitute Christantus Uche.
The Super Eagles huffed and puffed for the winner, but they could not find a way, as the game ended in an entertaining draw.
Despite the improved display, the result leaves the Eagles qualification hanging by a thread with two games to go. Nigeria stay six points behind the South Africans.
The Super Eagles will complete the Qualifiers with games against Lesotho and Benin in October.
