Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Dwindle After Draw With South Africa

Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major blow after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein. The result leaves the Super Eagles third in Group C with only two matches remaining, making automatic qualification highly unlikely.

William Troost-Ekong’s own goal gave South Africa an early lead before Calvin Bassey equalized for Nigeria. The draw means South Africa remain top of the group with 17 points, while Nigeria sit third with 11 points, behind Benin on goal difference.

Fans have compared Nigeria’s struggles to those of Manchester United, noting both teams’ recent underperformance despite their rich history and talented squads. The Super Eagles have won just two of their eight qualifying matches, drawing five and losing one.

Nigeria must now win their remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin and hope South Africa lose both their final games to have any chance of topping the group. Even then, their goal difference would likely decide the outcome.

The team’s hopes could receive an unexpected boost if FIFA deducts points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player. Teboho Mokoena should have served a suspension during South Africa’s match against Lesotho due to yellow card accumulation, but instead played in their 2-0 victory.

If Nigeria finishes second in the group, they would need to be among the four best runners-up across all African groups to advance to the playoff stage. However, with several other teams already having more points, this path appears increasingly difficult.

The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes have been further complicated by injuries to key players, including Victor Osimhen, who missed the South Africa match with a chin injury. His absence has highlighted the team’s lack of depth in attack.

Nigeria’s next qualifier is against Lesotho on October 6, followed by their final group match against Benin on October 13. Both matches are must-win games for the three-time African champions.