Nigeria’s dream of automatically qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup all but ended on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in a bruising encounter at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The result leaves Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana firmly in control of Group C while Eric Chelle’s side face the grim reality of missing out on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2006.
Tactical Switch and Nervy Start
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle sprang a surprise by abandoning his usual back four and deploying captain William Troost Ekong in a three man defence. The change was designed to stifle South Africa’s wide threat but instead brought mixed results.
The opening exchanges were cagey as both sides cancelled each other out in midfield with physical challenges setting the tone of a tense evening.
South Africa Strike First
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when South Africa capitalised on a quick transition down the right flank. Nkota’s dangerous cross forced an error as Troost Ekong diverted the ball into his own net to hand the hosts the lead and send the home supporters into raptures.
Bassey Levels for Nigeria
Nigeria responded with determination and found their equaliser shortly before half time. Calvin Bassey, heavily involved in the move, embarrassed Nkota with two Cruyff turns before spreading play wide to Bright Osayi Samuel who came on for injured Ola Aina in the first half. The full back whipped in a teasing delivery which Bassey himself rose to meet, heading past the South African goalkeeper for the leveller.
The goal lifted Nigerian spirits and brought the game to life heading into the break.
Missed Moments and Injury Woes
The Super Eagles looked more adventurous after the restart. In the 51st minute, striker Tolu Arokodare beat his marker and powered to the byline but his low cross flashed across the face of goal with no teammate on hand to convert.
Midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi was forced off injured in the 70th minute, replaced by Chrisantus Uche, a change that disrupted Nigeria’s balance in the middle of the park.
Chelle’s men pushed forward but failed to carve out clear opportunities. Deep into stoppage time Uche tried his luck from distance but his speculative shot flew harmlessly wide.
Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes Fade
The draw means Nigeria remain third in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa with only one round of qualifiers left. Even if they finish second the Super Eagles are unlikely to rank among the four best runners up who will advance to the African play offs.
South Africa on the other hand strengthened their grip on top spot and are now within touching distance of returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
For the Super Eagles it was a night of frustration in Bloemfontein, one that could well mark the end of their 2026 World Cup journey.
Nigeria is not missing out for the first time since 2006. That information is wrong. Nigeria was not at the 2022 World Cup, making it back-to-back misses.