2026 WCQ: Super Eagles near no qualification after draw against South Africa
The Super Eagles of Nigeria may just be saying goodbye to the 2026 World Cup following their draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 3-time African champions had to come from behind to play a 1-1 draw against the South Africans at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
Coach Eric Chelle made three changes to the side that started the win over Rwanda. Cyriel Dessers replaced injured Victor Osimhen, Captain William Troost Ekong returned to the starting line up for Bruno Onyemachi while Dele Bashiru started instead of Frank Onyeka.
Coach Chelle was forced to make a substitution after 10 minutes into the action following Ola Aina's knock and Bright Osayi-Samuel was brought in.
After couple of pressure mounted by the South Africans, the defense of Nigeria caved in as Ekong turned the ball into his own net in the 26th minutes following a cross from South Africa's winger, Mohau Nkota.
The Super Eagles grew into the game, pushing for an equalizer and soon the goal came with Calvin Bassey getting on the end of Dele-Bashiru's dangerous cross and bundle it home on 44 minutes.
A tense and exhilarating first half came to an end with both sides heading to the dressing room with a 1-1 scoreline.
At the start of the second half, Tolu Arokodare came in for Cyriel Dessers while William Troost Ekong left the pitch for Bruno Onyemachi.
As the game worn on and the need for a goal increased, Wilfred Ndidi was replaced for Christantus Uche on 70 minutes.
Samuel Chukwueze also came in for Moses Simon eight minutes later, but all to no avail as the game reached 90 minutes.
With seven minutes added after regulation time, the Eagles pushed for a goal, but it remained 1-1 at final whistle.
The result leaves Nigeria on second position with 11 points same as Benin Republic that are third with a match to spare, leaving the hope of qualification for the Super Eagles almost impossible with two qualifiers to play.
Uche Dozie
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