Nigeria’s World Cup hopes end with 1-1 draw in South Africa
Nigeria’s Super Eagles crashed out of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday.
The Group C Matchday 8 fixture was played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria needed an outright win to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
They had earlier defeated Rwanda 1-0 on Matchday 7 in Uyo, but still sat fourth on the six-team table with 11 points.
South Africa led the group with 16 points and was looking to widen the gap.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 25th minute through an own goal by Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong.
The defender deflected the ball into his own net following a defensive mix-up.
Nigeria equalised in the 44th minute through Calvin Bassey.
The Fulham defender rose highest to head home from a corner kick.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half but failed to break the deadlock.
Goalkeepers on both sides made crucial saves to keep the score level.
The result left Nigeria on 11 points with only two matches remaining.
Their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup are now effectively over.
The Super Eagles will play their final group matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic on October 6 and 13.
Both fixtures are now dead rubbers.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 3
UBEC begins distribution of two million packs of sanitary towels to improve school attendance
Ms Garba said the initiative was designed to address barriers to girls’ education.
States
Police nab six armed robbers, recover weapons in Oyo
The police boss reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminals.
Heading 2
FBI seizes about $17 billion, arrests hundreds in raid on Ghana Yahoo Boys enclave
The operation was described by Mr Patel on social media as part of the agency’s efforts to combat fraud.
States
Gombe: Pantami threatens legal action over omission from INEC’s governorship list
His lawyers described the omission of Mr Pantami’s name from the governorship candidates’ list as unlawful.
Heading 5
French supermarkets hit by cyberattack, causing freezers to heat up
Reports noted that the full extent of the cyberattack remained unclear.
World
McKinsey demotes consultant over LinkedIn comments
The company distanced itself from Mr Bradley’s remarks.
