Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The hosts struck first in the 25th minute when Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently put the ball into his own net. Nigeria, however, equalised just before halftime, with Calvin Bassey heading home from Bright Osayi-Samuel’s cross in the 44th minute.

The second half was full of drama, with both teams creating chances. Nigeria introduced Arokodare and Onyemaechi after the restart to inject more bite into the attack. Arokodare almost made an instant impact with a fierce shot that went narrowly wide. Despite relentless late pressure from the Super Eagles, the winning goal remained elusive.

South Africa, meanwhile, held firm at the back and looked dangerous on the counterattack. The result leaves the Bafana Bafana top of Group C with 17 points, followed by Benin Republic on 14. Nigeria sits third with 11 points, with only two group games remaining.

Speaking after the match, South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos criticised his side’s defending in the build-up to Nigeria’s equaliser.

“If we had defended with more aggressiveness, the goal would never have arrived,” Broos said, while also claiming Bassey’s strike was a “handball.”

The draw piles further pressure on Nigeria, who now face a difficult battle to secure a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.