Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced a crucial test in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, locking horns with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a decisive Group C encounter in Bloemfontein. The match, highly anticipated and laden with tension, was preceded by controversy surrounding a FIFA social media post that suggested South Africa’s potential qualification, triggering outrage among Nigerian fans who cited unresolved allegations of South Africa fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in March.

Ahead of the clash, the Super Eagles were under immense pressure, with only 10 points from seven matches, needing a victory to keep their qualification hopes firmly alive. South Africa, leading Group C with 16 points after a 3-0 win over Lesotho, aimed to consolidate their position.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle named a starting lineup that included Stanley Nwabali in goal, a backline of Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong (captain), and Calvin Bassey, with Benjamin Fredricks, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman supporting Cyriel Dessers in attack.

Key players like captain Troost-Ekong, returning to central defence, and Lookman, known for his attacking flair, were expected to make a significant impact. Star striker Victor Osimhen was notably absent due to injury, a fact coach Chelle acknowledged with a message to his main man before the game.

The match kicked off at 5 pm Nigerian time with early drama. Just eight minutes in, Nigeria suffered a major blow as Ola Aina limped off injured and was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel. South Africa capitalized on their home advantage, taking the lead in the 25th minute through an own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who inadvertently diverted a low cross past Stanley Nwabali while attempting to prevent a tap-in.

The hosts celebrated their lead, but Nigeria fought back, and just before halftime, Calvin Bassey restored parity with a powerful header from Tom Dele-Bashiru’s delivery. The equalizer, however, was not without controversy, as some reports suggested the ball might have struck Bassey’s arm, raising questions about what might have been if VAR had been in use.

The second half saw the Super Eagles push for a winner, with Tolu Arokodare, who came on for Cyril Dessers at halftime, injecting pace and creating chances. Despite dominating possession and generating several opportunities, Nigeria's attacking efforts from players like Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi failed to find the back of the net. The match ended 1-1, a result that left the South Africans celebrating the point gained and extending their unbeaten streak, while for Nigeria, it was a grim feeling.

The draw delivered a severe blow to Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification aspirations. With only two matches remaining, the Super Eagles now sit on 11 points, six points behind Group C leaders South Africa, who have accumulated 17 points. Experts like former international Mutiu Adepoju stated it would be an almost impossible task for Nigeria to top the group.

Adepoju emphasized that the Super Eagles’ fate is now out of their hands, as they must not only win their remaining fixtures but also hope South Africa falters in theirs. He added that the lack of consistency, wasteful finishing, and defensive lapses have haunted the team throughout the qualifiers, leaving them in a precarious position.