The Super Eagles still hang on to a thin thread as the World Cup qualifying series go into Match Day 9 after forcing a 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night. A tradition was however maintained: Bafana Bafana on their home soil has never beaten the Super Eagles.
Despite the draw, the match outcome sees South Africa take over the top spot in Group with 17 points. Nigeria, temporarily second with 11 points, await the outcome of the Benin versus Lesotho match to confirm their position.
The game got off to a challenging start for the Super Eagles when captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, putting the hosts ahead.
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
However, Nigeria fought back and equalized just before halftime, courtesy of a towering header from Calvin Bassey.
With only a slim chance left for qualification, Nigeria now hopes that Lesotho can upset Benin in their upcoming clash, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
Next month, the Super Eagles will return to South Africa, where they will face Lesotho at their adopted home ground in a crucial fixture.
The Super Eagles’ journey to World Cup 2026 remains precarious, but their resilience in Bloemfontein keeps the dream alive.
Again, Uyo continues to be a fertile hunting ground for Bafana Bafana
When the 2026 World Cup qualification draw was made in Abidjan last July, Nigeria was hailed as the power with the most favourable draw having been pitched against lowly sides of Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were seen as the only team that could give the…June 8, 2024
In “World Cup”
Points of Interest Ahead of Nigeria South Africa ‘Mother of All Battles
BY KUNLE SOLAJA. Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana clash this Friday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match as each attempts to take a lead in the Group C of the CAF-organised series. A winner of the duel will momentarily climb to the top of the Group.…June 7, 2024
In “World Cup”
Another Day of Reckoning is here as Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana reignite rivalry
BY KUNLE SOLAJA. When the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana clash this Friday in Uyo in a Group C duel of the 2026 WorldCup qualifying series, one of the major football rivalries in the continent will be revived. As Nigeria and South Africa get at each other’s jugular it…June 7, 2024
In “World Cup”
