WCQ: South Africa hold Nigeria in Uyo
Nigeria Super Eagles failed to get a win again in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after playing a 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswil Akpabio International Stadium on Friday night, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Watford's Dele Bashiru cancelled Themba Zwane first half strike to see Nigeria get a third consecutive draw after match day 3 of the qualifiers.
The goal came in the 30th minute for South Africa following a beautiful build-up by the visitors, culminating in a great pass from Yaya Sithole and a moment of pure skill from Zwane that ended in the back of the net.
It could have been two six minutes later for South Africa, but Benjamin Tanimu came to the rescue as he cleared the ball off the line as the first ended 1-0.
Tom Dele Bashiru levelled matters with a drilling shot beyond Williams after Alex Iwobi sent a fine pass to Bashiru who kept the ball and on a turn, smashed home with a low drive at the start of the second half.
A penalty plea came on 56 minute after Bashiru who was fouled in the box, but the Chadian referee insisted no penalty. Bashiru had to be substituted for Alhassan Yusuf 5 minutes later.
Samuel Chukwueze came in for Kelechi Iheanacho on 68 minute and almost out the Super Eagles ahead 6 minutes after his introduction following his strike ricocheting the bar.
A tensed final moments saw the two sides pushing for the winner, but it ended all square at the final whistle at the Nest of Champions.
Nigeria will now turn their focus to the next game against Benin Republic on Monday, 10th June at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
Uche Dozie
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