Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ hopes for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reduced after a frustrating 1-1 draw against hosts South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The result leaves the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions precariously positioned, with their aspirations for direct qualification now hanging by a thread amid a challenging race for the best second-placed spot across CAF groups.
The match played at the Toyota Stadium (Bloemfontein) was a tense affair, decided by defensive lapses and moments of brilliance.
South Africa struck first in the 25th minute when Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, handing the Bafana Bafana an early lead.
The Super Eagles, however, refused to crumble, equalizing in the 44th minute through defender Calvin Bassey’s powerful header.
There were no goals in the second half, as both teams settled for a point apiece.
The result means South Africa now has 17 points, six more than second-placed Nigeria with two fixtures left. However, Benin Republic could climb back up if they take anything from their match against Lesotho.
While the first position appears to be out of reach, Super Eagles’ hopes now depend on emerging among the second-placed teams in CAF’s nine groups to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
With only four best runners-up advancing to the play-off, the Super Eagles are facing an uphill battle.
This comes as Nigeria is currently sitting in the eighth position among the second-placed teams in the CAF’s nine qualifying groups.
To even have a shot, Nigeria must win its remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin in October while praying for favorable results elsewhere and a potential points deduction for South Africa over an earlier ineligible player controversy.
Below is the list of the countries currently in the second-placed spot across the 9 groups as of press time;
1. Gabon – 18 points
2. Madagascar – 16 points
3. DR Congo – 16 points
4. Burkina Faso – 15 points
5. Cameroon – 15 points
6. Namibia – 15 points
7. Uganda – 15 points
8. Nigeria – 11 points
9. Tanzania – 10 points
Reacting after the match, Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has said he is disappointed with the pitch at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Nigerian coach also pointed out that his team had no time to prepare for the game following their arrival in the country.
He said: “We had no time to prepare for this game, because we travelled and we arrived late.
“So we had just one training session. So now we need to prepare on the pitch.
“We did prepare for this game mentally.
“And for sure, because of this pitch, we need to be ready mentally. And I’m very disappointed about this pitch.
“Because the two teams deserve a great pitch, because, you know, like I said yesterday, South Africa, they play well, very well.
“They have a great team.”
Below are some reactions from Nigerians;
