Nigeria’s W’Cup hopes hang in the balance after draw against South Africa

Nigeria’s dream of booking a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit another stumbling block on Tuesday after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by group leaders South Africa.

The highly anticipated clash was seen as an opportunity for the Eagles to reignite their campaign, but the result leaves their qualification chances hanging by a thread. Nigeria have now recorded five draws in eight qualifying matches, with their lone victory coming against Rwanda.

The Super Eagles, once regulars at football’s biggest stage, have not appeared at the World Cup since Russia 2018. With every dropped point, the pressure mounts, and the team now faces the daunting possibility of missing out entirely even on the play-off round.

South Africa, meanwhile, continue to strengthen their position at the top of the group and look well on course to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

The match turned dramatic when Nigeria fell behind after former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net. Relief came before half-time, however, when Fulham’s Calvin Bassey grabbed his first international goal to restore parity.

With just two games left, Nigeria trail South Africa by six points.

Their only remaining hope may lie in squeezing into the African play-offs as one of the four best second-placed sides, with a chance of reaching an intercontinental qualifier.