Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles, who needed victory to stay in contention, fell behind midway through the first half when captain William Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Calvin Bassey gave Nigeria hope just before the break, powering in a header from a corner to make it 1-1. The second half was tense, with both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough as goalkeepers at both ends produced key saves.
The result leaves Nigeria stuck on 11 points after eight games, well adrift of group leaders South Africa on 16. With just two games left to play, against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October, the Super Eagles’ campaign is effectively over.
It marks a second successive failure to qualify for the World Cup, raising fresh questions about the future direction of Nigerian football.
