Bafana Bafana hold Nigeria to a key draw in World Cup qualifier

image: The South African

by Lwandiso Simanga 

South Africa boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria in a Group C qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening. The result keeps Bafana Bafana six points clear of the Super Eagles at the top of the table, leaving them well placed for a return to the global stage when the qualifiers conclude next month.

Nigeria endured an early setback as Ola Aina limped off after just 10 minutes, replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel. South Africa capitalised on their bright start, with wingers Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis causing persistent problems. Nkota’s surging run and cross in the 25th minute forced Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong into turning the ball into his own net for the opener.

The visitors rallied before halftime and equalised in the 44th minute when Calvin Bassey bundled home from close range after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s delivery. Nigeria’s substitutions after the break nearly paid dividends, with Tolu Arokodare going close shortly after coming on.

South Africa, however, remained a threat, and defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi almost restored their lead with a bold long-range effort that drifted narrowly over. Despite late pressure from both sides, the match ended level, a result that favours Bafana Bafana as they edge closer to qualification.