The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa played out a draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with both teams finding the net to tie the match 1-1.
The match started with South Africa pressing early, looking to capitalise on home advantage.
The Super Eagles had the first corner in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a cross from the right, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster cleared the ball with a header.
The Bafana Bafana threatened on the counter following the corner, with Nkota sprinting forward after a long ball from midfield, only to be denied by a swift save from Nigeria keeper Nwabali.
The game’s first booking came in the 18th minute, with South Africa’s Ngezana and Nigeria’s Lookman receiving yellow cards.
Shortly after, Ola Aina was forced off due to a hamstring injury following a challenge from Kabini. Bright Osayi-Samuel came on as his substitute.
South Africa drew the first blood in the 24th minute with a superb through ball from midfielder Mokoena that found Nkota on the flank.
Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving the hosts the lead.
At the time, South Africa had dominated possession (58 percent) and created more attempts (two) compared to Nigeria’s zero.
Despite trailing, the Super Eagles pushed forward. Osayi-Samuel showed early promise down the right wing but was met by three defenders who regained possession for the hosts. The first half saw intense moments, including a minor tussle between players that required the referee’s intervention.
However, Nigeria found a dramatic equalizer just before the break. Lookman initiated the move from central midfield, finding Simon on the right, whose cross was headed home by Bassey. Replays suggested the ball may have struck Bassey’s arm, but with no VAR in the match, the goal stood.
South Africans, who are just one win away from booking their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could not find the net at the end of the second half of the game.
The Bafana Bafana, who lead Group C with 16 points, six clear of the Super Eagles, rallied, but the undaunted Super Eagles denied the home team from finding the net.
At the end of the match, the score line remained at parity, with both sides sharing the spoils.
