Nigeria’s quest for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains on shaky ground after the Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Tuesday.
The hosts started brightly and put Nigeria under early pressure from both flanks. Matters were further complicated for the visitors when Olaoluwa Aina was forced off with an injury after only eight minutes, paving the way for Bright Osayi-Samuel to come on.
Despite Nigeria’s attempts to settle, disaster struck in the 25th minute when captain William Ekong inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali wrong-footed and gifting South Africa the lead.
However, the Eagles found their way back into the contest just before the break. Defender Calvin Bassey showed grit and determination, driving forward before connecting with a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to head home the equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
The second half produced few clear chances, though substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru came close to snatching victory for Nigeria.
With the result, the Super Eagles moved to 11 points from eight matches in Group C, ahead of their next fixture against Lesotho on October 10, also in Bloemfontein.
Reacting to the outcome, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, urged the Super Eagles to remain focused, assuring that the Commission will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure Nigeria’s qualification.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to sports development, stressing that the President’s vision for sports excellence continues to inspire Nigerian athletes globally and provide hope for the nation’s football.
The Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the players for their fighting spirit despite the setback, noting that securing a point away in South Africa was not an easy task.
He further called on Nigerians to rally behind the team in unity, pointing out that with renewed determination and the right support, the Eagles can finish the qualifiers strongly and secure the World Cup ticket.
Also reacting, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Grassroots Sports, Mr. Anthony Adebiyi, noted that the Super Eagles can still qualify with the remaining match. He encouraged the players not to lose focus, reminding them that millions of Nigerians are behind them as they chase the World Cup dream.
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