Nigeria’s Super Eagles hopes to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hangs in the balance after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa.

The game at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, saw South Africa take the lead through an own goal by William Troost-Ekong, after a failed effort to clear a cross.

Nigeria responded aggressively, dominating possession but struggling to create clear chances.

Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Calvin Bassey equalized for Nigeria, heading in a cross from Dele Bashiru, though replays suggested the ball may have struck his arm.

The second half saw both teams push for a winner.

Nigeria’s Tolu Arokodare, replacing the injured Victor Osimhen, nearly scored, firing just wide from a tight angle.

South Africa’s Lyle Foster troubled Nigeria’s backline, but Bassey’s timely interventions kept the score level.

Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a breakthrough, and the match ended with the points shared.

South Africa remain atop Group C with 17 points from eight matches, while Nigeria, with 11 points, leapfrog to the second position, pending Benin Republic’s result against Lesotho later tonight’s .X,