Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup took a huge blow after the Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Friday night in Uyo.
The Super Eagles who were fifth in Group C before the game having drawn their first two matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, found themselves trailing after South Africa scored the first goal in the 29th minute through Themba Zwane who waltzed his way past the Nigerian defence and fired beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from close range.
The Super Eagles equalised a minute into the second half when Alex Iwobi fed the ball to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and the Turkey-based midfielder turned brilliantly to lash it past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to the delight of the fans.
Nigeria dominated the game afterwards with substitute Samuel Chukwueze hitting the crossbar in a flowing move and Ademola Lookman forcing Williams to make a full-length save in added time.
The draw was disappointing for Nigeria who desperately needed a win after three rounds of matches in Group C and leaves the Super Eagles fifth on the table.
The result means Lesotho, who defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 earlier on Friday, remain top of the group with five points.
Rwanda are second on four points followed by Benin Republic in third and South Africa fourth, also on four points.
The Super Eagles will have to beat Benin Republic on Monday in Abidjan to get their World Cup dreams on track.
In other matches played across Africa on Friday, Angola beat Eswatini 1-0 Group D while Morocco edged Zambia 2-1 in Group E.
Cote D’Ivoire pipped Gabon 1-0 as Kenya and Burundi settled for a 1-1 draw in Group F.
Mozambique defeated Somalia 2-1 while Uganda beat Botswana 1-0 in Group G, and Madagascar beat Comoros 2-1 in Group I.