THE Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track tonight after playing yet another 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo.
Tonight’s result is the Super Eagles’ third 1-1 draw in a row in the series, leaving them playing catch-up in African qualifying Group C.
The more composed Bafana Bafana took the lead in the first half in a packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium tonight before the Super Eagles levelled up just after the restart, and both sides had enough chances to score three more each.
After a bright start for the hosts which lasted about 10 minutes, the nimble visitors took control of the game and deservedly went ahead.
Themba Zwane waltzed through a half-asleep Super Eagles defence in the 29th minute and nonchalantly slotted the ball past Stanley Nwabali in the Nigeria goal.
Bafana Bafana continued to be comfortable for the rest of the half and caused chaos in the Super Eagles defence each time they ventured forward.
Super Eagles head coach Finidi George fielded a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Tanimu and Calvin Bassey, with captain Wilfred Ndidi deployed in midfield to offer protection.
There wasn’t much protection in that first half, with Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi not able to handle the South Africans, leaving the defence exposed and the forward line of Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu not getting much service.
South Africa comfortably saw out the first half with their lead intact but they were confronted by a more fired up Super Eagles upon resumption.
Turkey-based Dele-Bashiru got the three-time African champions quickly out of the blocks at the restart, spinning around his marker before firing low past goalkeeper Rowen Williams inside the first minute of the second half.
The Super Eagles goal opened up the game and both sides were creating and missing chances in the end-to-end contest, with the best Nigeria opportunities falling to substitutes Samuel Chukwueze and Terem Moffi.
With the result, the Super Eagles are fifth in the six-team group with three points from three games, one point and one spot behind South Africa.
Lesotho defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 earlier today to shoot to the top of the standings with five points, with Rwanda and Benin Republic second and third with four points each.
The Super Eagles have another shot at redemption on Monday when they face Benin Republic in Abijdan, Cote d’Ivoire.
