Bafana Bafana Edge Closer to World Cup After Crucial 1-1 Draw with Nigeria

In a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, Bafana Bafana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw, a result that keeps them firmly in control of Group C and significantly advances their chances of securing a spot at next year’s World Cup in North America.

ALSO READ: Peter Shalulile Breaks PSL All-Time Goal Scoring Record

South Africa took the lead in fortuitous fashion when William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned Mohau Nkota’s cross past his own goalkeeper in the 25th minute. Just before halftime, Calvin Bassey restored parity for Nigeria with a close-range header that appeared to strike his arm, but in the absence of VAR, the goal stood.

Group Standings and Qualification Implications

South Africa now sit atop Group C with 17 points, holding a comfortable six-point lead over Nigeria, with just two matches remaining.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are now left sweating, as their path to progression has become incredibly narrow. A win in their remaining matches may still open a playoff route, but only if South Africa slips up, and this seems increasingly unlikely.

What Lies Ahead

Bafana Bafana’s road to the World Cup is now highly favourable. Should they pick up just a single point from their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, they will seal their automatic qualification, a milestone marking their first return to the finals on merit since 2002. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s fate hangs in the balance, now resting on a perfect set of results and other unlikely outcomes.