The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa finished their CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier 1-1 on Tuesday 9 September, 2025 at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa.
The South Africans kicked off the showdown with intense pressure on their Nigerian opponents, forcing Saudi Professional League club, Al Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong, to hit the back of his own net in the 25th minute.
However, Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles fought back and levelled in the 45th minute through Premier League club, Fulham, defender, Calvin Bassey.
The outcome takes Nigeria from third to second in Group C with eleven (11) points, however, Benin are yet to play their qualifier against Lesotho, which will determine who finally takes the second spot, while South Africa remain toppers with seventeen (17) points.
Benin and Lesotho will kick off at 21:45 (WAT) in Benin.
In the second half, following substitutions, Nigeria grabbed control of the encounter and performed better while the hosts repelled the pressure.
Rwanda have also accumulated eleven (11) points as Nigeria, after a lone goal victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday, however fall behind the Super Eagles on goal difference.
