The Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains fragile after a 1-1 draw with South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, leaving the team third in Group C with 11 points. South Africa leads the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic sits second on 14 points after a dominant 4-0 win over Lesotho.
An own goal by Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong handed South Africa an early lead, but defender Calvin Bassey’s header just before halftime levelled the score. Despite chances, neither side could find a winner as the match ended in a stalemate.
Benin and Rwanda’s recent victories have increased the pressure on Nigeria’s qualifying campaign, with the Eagles sharing the same points total as Rwanda but leading on goal difference.
Football analyst Friday Ekpo remains optimistic, stating, “The Super Eagles’ hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not over yet. The most important thing is to win the remaining two games and hope other groups don’t get higher points.”
Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Benin are now critical. The team must secure victories and rely on favourable results elsewhere to advance, as only the group winners qualify automatically. Nigeria could still secure a play-off spot as one of the best runners-up but that scenario is unlikely.
Ekpo urges fans not to lose hope: “Until the final game, I am still optimistic Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup.” However, the margin for error is slim and any slip-up could see Nigeria miss the tournament for the second consecutive time since their debut in 1994.
