By Agency Report

Copyright newmail-ng

Nigeria and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Neither side was able to claim maximum points in the match billed as a winner-takes-all encounter that could determine the fate of both nations.

An own goal put the hosts ahead before Calvin Bassey’s controversial equaliser, as both goals were scored in the first half.

William Troost-Ekong returned to captain the side, while Eric Chelle preferred Cyril Dessers to lead the attack in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen.

South Africa started on the brighter side and had a header off target before grabbing the lead on 25 minutes via an own goal when Ekong inadvertently diverted a cross into his own net, sending home fans into rapturous celebrations.

The South Africans looked to run riot afterwards, but Nigeria regrouped and crept back into the match before netting the equaliser on the stroke of halftime through Bassey.

The Fulham defender rose highest to meet Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross, and his header flew into the net via his hand for 1-1 at the break.

‎Dessers and Ekong made way for Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi at the start of the second half, with Arokodare narrowly missing the target as Nigeria showed more urgency in search of the winning goal.

Mokoena almost caught out Stanley Nwabali from way out following a mazy run, and sides threatened sparingly thereafter.

Nigeria, however, mounted a late charge to claim all points but failed to test the goalkeeper, as the match ended with a share of the points.

The draw ensured South Africa strengthened their lead at the top of Group A to 17 points. The Bafana Bafana could secure World Cup qualification if Benin fails to defeat Lesotho later today.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has 11 points with two matches left and is almost on the brink of failing to qualify for consecutive World Cups.