Nigeria 1-1 South Africa: Super Eagles continue poor run in 2026 World Cup ticket bid

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior men’s national team and their counterparts from South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in their third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Friday.

Stanley Nwabali started in goal for the Super Eagles in coach Finidi George’s first competitive match in charge of the team.

Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, Bright Osayi Samuel, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Bashiru, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, and Kelechi Iheanacho also started.

The three-time African champions started the brightest as a cross from Lookman was headed over the bar by Onuachu.

The Bafana Bafana gradually found their feet and hit the bar thereafter.

In the 10th minute, the South Africans forced Nwabali to palm away a long-range strike.

19 minutes later the visitors broke the deadlock through Themba Zwane from Kamohelo Sithole’s assist as the goal separated both sides at halftime.

A few seconds after the restart, Finidi George’s side restored parity as a pass from Iwobi located Bashiru who turned before unleashing a powerful shot – his first international strike for the Super Eagles.

Percy Tau who scored the winner the last time South Africa visited Uyo had a golden opportunity to restore his side’s lead but missed his chance in the 73rd minute.

Two minutes later, substitute Samuel Chukwueze hit the crossbar as the last ten minutes of the game was an end-to-end attacking display from both sides including Lookman forcing Ronwen Williams to a fantastic save.

South Africa held on for a precious draw while Nigeria played out their third consecutive 1-1 draw in the Qualifiers.

Nigeria will take their quest for the first win in the qualifiers to the Stade Felix Houphpouet Boigny, Abidjan against Benin Republic on Monday.