The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States are fading after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their third-round qualifier.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saw the Super Eagles fall behind in the 29th minute when Themba Zwane scored for the visitors.
Despite Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s equalizer in the 46th minute, the Nigerian side failed to find a winner, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Finidi George, the team lined up with Stanley Nwabali in goal, a defense comprising Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. The midfield trio consisted of Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, and captain Wilfred Ndidi, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu led the attack.
The stalemate leaves Nigeria in a precarious position, sitting fifth in a group of six teams after three matches in the 10-match competition.
Alarmingly, the Super Eagles have now drawn all three of their games, a run of form that could prove costly in their quest to secure a World Cup spot.
In the competition format, only the group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best-ranked runners-up will enter play-offs, with the winners of these play-offs then competing in an inter-continental tournament for the remaining two spots.
With their World Cup dreams fading, the Super Eagles will need to quickly turn their fortunes around when they travel to Abidjan to face third-placed Benin on June 10.
