Nigeria and South Africa battled to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the match produced goals only in the first half. The hosts went ahead through an own goal before Calvin Bassey scored a disputed equaliser for Nigeria.
William Troost-Ekong returned to captain the Super Eagles, while coach Eric Chelle started Cyril Dessers up front in place of injured Victor Osimhen.
South Africa began strongly and came close with a header before breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Ekong accidentally turned a cross into his own net.
Nigeria gradually settled and levelled just before halftime. Bassey met a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and although the ball went in off his hand, the referee allowed the goal to stand, making it 1-1 at the interval.
At the restart, Dessers and Ekong were replaced by Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi. Arokodare came close with a shot, as the visitors pushed for a winner.
South Africa, however, almost restored their lead when Teboho Mokoena tested goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from distance.
Nigeria pressed hard in the closing stages but could not find a decisive goal, and the game ended all square.
With the result, South Africa extended their lead at the top of Group A to 17 points and could qualify for World Cup if Benin fails to beat Lesotho later in the day.
Nigeria which is on 11 points with two matches remaining, now faces the real danger of missing a second consecutive World Cup.
