September 9, 2025

Super Eagles’ World Cup Dream hangs in the air after 1-1 Draw against South Africa

The New Diplomat

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October 22, 2025 • Nigeria

By Abiola Olawale

The hopes of Nigeria’s Super Eagles qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are slowly fading after a 1-1 draw against South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The result leaves the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread with two matches to go.

The New Diplomat reports that an own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and an equalizer from Calvin Bassey saw Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

With two matches left to play in the group, Nigeria are 6 points behind South Africa, who are topping Group C with 17 points, while the Super Eagles are on 11 points alongside Benin Republic, who have a match at hand.

The Super Eagles will now have to secure all points in their remaining two matches and hope for favourable results elsewhere to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

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