South Africa Nears 2026 World Cup as Nigeria Faces Grueling Battle for Survival
South Africa moved one step closer to booking their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night. While Bafana Bafana can qualify with just one more point from their remaining two matches, the Super Eagles now find themselves in a fierce battle with Rwanda and Benin for second place in Group C.
Both sides entered the match knowing the stakes were high, and the result reflects their cautious yet strategic approach. A draw wasn’t ideal for Nigeria, but it was far better than a loss, while South Africa will be happy to have remained in control at the top of the group standings.
The game started with early drama when Nigeria’s Ola Aina was forced off with an injury just nine minutes in. The Nottingham Forest defender was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel, who looked shaky early on and almost gifted South Africa the opener. Fortunately for the visitors, Stanley Nwabali pulled off a crucial save to deny Oswin Appollis from close range.
However, the warning signs didn’t go unnoticed. Just minutes later, South Africa capitalized. Mohau Nkota made a driving run down the right and fired a cross into the box. Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong, trying to cut out the pass, ended up scoring an unfortunate own goal in the 25th minute, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
At that point, Nigeria looked lost. The Super Eagles lacked rhythm, struggled to create, and allowed South Africa to dominate possession. But just when it seemed like the hosts might extend their lead, Nigeria found a lifeline. In the 44th minute, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and headed home to level the score. There were some appeals for handball, but the goal stood.
C. Bassss
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 9, 2025
That late first-half equalizer gave Nigeria a much-needed boost going into the break. Coach Eric Chelle responded by making tactical changes, bringing on Tolu Arokodare—hero of the Rwanda match—in place of Cyriel Dessers. The new Wolverhampton striker nearly made an immediate impact, firing just wide of the post early in the second half.
South Africa weren’t done either. In the 68th minute, defender Mbekezile Mbokazi tried to catch Nwabali off his line with a cheeky lob from distance. The attempt sailed narrowly over the bar, but it showed that Bafana Bafana were still dangerous.
As the clock ticked down, both teams slowed the pace, seemingly content to walk away with a point. Nigeria pushed forward occasionally, but lacked the urgency and creativity to break through South Africa’s disciplined defense. In the end, it was a result that reflected the balance of the match—one half of energy and one half of caution.
The implications, however, are massive.
South Africa remain top of Group C and need only one more point from their final two matches to secure qualification. They will face Zimbabwe away and Rwanda at home—two games that look manageable for a team in form.
For Nigeria, the path is far more complicated. The Super Eagles are now locked in a three-way battle with Rwanda and Benin. The two rivals still had to face off later Tuesday night, and depending on that result, Nigeria’s position could become even more precarious.
Their final fixtures are away to Lesotho and at home against Benin. These are must-win matches for a team that has so far looked inconsistent in qualifying. The pressure is mounting, and the fans are growing restless. Questions are being raised about tactics, team selection, and whether this squad has the hunger to fight through adversity.
Nigeria’s stars—Bassey, Iwobi, Arokodare, and others—have shown flashes of quality. But they’ll need more than moments of brilliance to rescue their campaign. They’ll need grit, focus, and a winning mentality if they’re to make it to North America in 2026.
South Africa, on the other hand, are on the brink of returning to the World Cup stage. With a solid team structure, youthful energy, and home support, Bafana Bafana look like a side that believes in their mission.
The next round of matches in October will be make-or-break. Can Nigeria rise to the challenge and grind out two victories when it matters most? Or will South Africa’s calm consistency see them cruise through to the final tournament?
One thing is certain—the race for World Cup qualification in Africa is far from over, and the drama is just getting started.
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