The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping the qualification race wide open.
The highly anticipated clash, played on Sunday evening at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, lived up to its billing with both sides showing attacking intent but unable to secure maximum points.
South Africa struck first midway through the first half after Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, inadvertently put the ball into his own net while trying to clear a dangerous cross. The early setback jolted the Super Eagles, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.
Nigeria eventually grew into the game and got their reward just before halftime. Defender Calvin Bassey rose highest in the box to head home the equaliser from a well-delivered corner, silencing the home crowd and restoring parity.
The second half produced end-to-end football, with both sides creating chances but lacking the decisive edge in front of goal. South Africa’s Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa came close, while Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman tested the Bafana goalkeeper but could not find a breakthrough.
The draw leaves both teams level on points in Group C, with Rwanda also firmly in contention after their impressive start to the qualifiers. With several rounds of matches still to come, the battle for automatic qualification remains tense and finely poised.
Nigeria will next face Rwanda in Kigali, while South Africa travel to Lesotho, as the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico continues.
