Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered a significant blow after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein. Captain William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal in the 25th minute, before Calvin Bassey equalised with a header that deflected off his arm just before half-time. A goalless second half meant the points were shared.
The result leaves Nigeria needing South Africa to lose both of their remaining qualifiers, while also winning their own two matches against Lesotho and Benin in October. They must also overturn a goal difference deficit to top the group.
Nigeria were without key players Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi due to injury, and will hope for their return ahead of the crucial fixtures. The match saw few clear chances in the second half, with both sides struggling to create.
South Africa pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Lyle Foster and substitute Rayners testing the Nigerian defence. However, the hosts could not break through, and the match ended in a stalemate.
