South Africa held Nigeria to a frustrating stalemate at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with the Bafana Bafana taking the lead midway through the first half via a William Troost-Ekong own-goal, before Calvin Bassey restored parity with a header just before halftime.
The result leaves the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes in tatters, sitting six points behind South Africa with just two games remaining in their qualifying campaign. For a nation that has graced six World Cup finals since their debut in USA 1994, the prospect of watching a second consecutive tournament from home represents an unthinkable catastrophe.
The result leaves the Super Eagles in third position in Group C with 11 points from eight games, level on points with Rwanda but ahead only on goal difference. South Africa top the standings with 17 points, while Benin Republic occupies the crucial second position with 14 points.
The mathematics are now brutally simple for Nigeria: they must win their remaining two fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, whilst hoping South Africa falter in their final games. Anything less will condemn the Eagles to watching the 2026 World Cup from home, marking an unprecedented low in the country’s football history.
Speaking after the devastating draw, head coach Chelle remained defiant despite the precarious position his team now finds themselves in.
“My players are professionals and I know they will still want to win the remaining two games,” the Malian said.
