Pressure has mounted on the Super Eagles of Nigeria after the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute.
The match ended at a stalemate, however.
The team, led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, featured Stanley Nwabali in goal, with Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in defence.
Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi were in midfield, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu led the attack.
The results mean that Nigeria will now be placed fifth in a table of six teams after three matches in the 10-match competition.
Nigeria, in three matches, has drawn all three.
The group winners will qualify for 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States; four best-ranked runners-up go into play-offs and winners enter an inter-continental tournament where six nations will compete for two places.
Meanwhile, this game marked newly appointed Finidi George’s first game as Super Eagles coach.
Super Eagles will travel to Abidjan to face third-placed Benin on June 10.
Credit: Punch.
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