KEY POINTS
- Super Eagles draw leaves World Cup hopes at risk.
- Nigeria must win the remaining matches to stay in contention.
- South Africa maintains a six-point advantage in Group C.
Nigeria’s quest for a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against group leaders South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. The result leaves Nigeria trailing in Group C, six points behind the Bafana Bafana, with only two matches remaining.
Super eagles fight to survive
Coach Eric Chelle reinstated captain Williams Troost-Ekong to the heart of defence after he missed the narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last weekend. The Eagles, needing a win to revive their fading qualification hopes, were immediately hampered when full-back Ola Aina was forced off with an early injury in the eighth minute, replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Disaster compounded in the 25th minute when Nigeria fell behind through an own goal by Troost-Ekong. The Bafana Bafana capitalised on defensive confusion, leaving the West Africans chasing the game. Nigeria’s response came in the 44th minute when Fulham defender Calvin Bassey restored parity with a deflected header from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross. Despite the fortuitous nature of the goal, it gave the Eagles renewed energy heading into the second half.
World cup qualification remains slim
According to Punch, Chelle attempted to inject fresh impetus by introducing Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong and Cyriel Dessers. Nigeria controlled possession more than in the first half, but clear scoring opportunities remained elusive. Substitutes Chrisantus Uche and Samuel Chukwueze were unable to break the deadlock, and Wilfred Ndidi had to exit due to injury, further limiting midfield options.
The draw mirrors the earlier 1-1 result in Uyo between the two sides. South Africa now sit on 17 points from eight matches, while Nigeria lingers on 11 points. To qualify, the Eagles must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic and rely on other Group C contenders dropping points, a scenario that leaves the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
