- The Super Eagles’ hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification were dented by a 1-1 draw against South Africa
- Themba Zwane’s goal put South Africa in the lead, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s equalizer salvaged a point for Nigeria
The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dealt a significant blow yesterday following a 1-1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The qualifier, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, witnessed the visitors dominating the game’s early stages.
South Africa aimed to secure a victory, with Themba Zwane nearly scoring in the 15th minute, hitting the crossbar with a free-kick. However, Zwane broke the deadlock 19 minutes later, putting the hosts on the back foot.
The struggling hosts made little headway until the 40th minute, when Paul Onuachu managed to test the South African goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, with a header. Williams made a comfortable save to maintain the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Shortly into the second half, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru netted his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles, levelling the score.
As the clock wound down, both coaches made tactical adjustments to secure three points, but the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Super Eagles, now winless and sitting fifth in Group C with three points, needed a victory to lead the group. Their next match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Monday becomes crucial. Lesotho currently tops the group with five points.
It’s worth noting that the draw marks the beginning of Finidi George’s tenure as the Super Eagles coach.