Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Friday following their 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Themba Zwane silenced the Uyo fans just before the half-hour mark after he skipped past Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, before firing a low shot past Stanley Nwabali.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru drew the Eagles level with a fantastic finish, just 37 seconds after the half-time break.
Nigeria could have taken the lead in the third minute, but Paul Onuachu failed to direct his header towards goal.
Ademola Lookman also missed the target from the edge of the box on the eighth minute.
Teboho Mokoena’s 16th-minute free kick brushed off the crossbar with Nwabali stranded.
Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali was beaten by a chipped effort on the 36th minute, but Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu had to come to the rescue, heading the ball to safety.
Nigeria dominated afterwards, with substitute Samuel Chukwueze hitting the underside of the bar in a flowing move, Lookman shooting away from goal with three minutes left, and the Europa Cup final hero drawing a full-length save from Williams in added time.
The draw means Lesotho, who defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 earlier on Friday, remains top of the group with five points, while South Africa, Benin Republic, and Rwanda are on four points, with Nigeria on three.
Finidi George’s team will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Monday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium in Côte d’Ivoire.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
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