WCQ26: Nigeria Draws 1-1 with South Africa in a Tense Match.
By Eniola Olatunji
Nigeria was on Tuesday tactically frustrated out of contention for an appearance at the 2026 Mundial in the Americas with a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein in South Africa
Nigeria’s woes started with a forced own goal conceded by Captain William Troost-Ekong in the 25th minute but Dele-Bashiru found defender Calvin Bassey who equalized in the 44th minute.
The last time Nigeria played on the deplorable pitch of Bloemfontein was at the 2010 world cup when she lost to Greece 1-2.
As predicted, the match was a form of warfare first from delay at the airport; they had to hold their training by the road side on Monday and on Tuesday the Ref from Gabon played to his record allowing rough play like it was Rugby hacking, kicking and pulling of jerseys making current African Footballer of the year complaint bitterly for about five times on the quality of play and officiating right there on the pitch.
The tensed situation heightened in the 72nd when both benches were in a tumult from a deliberate tactical rough play of the South African which held up the game for about three minute. The Ref Pierre Ghislain Atcho from Gabon had to call the two coaches aside, talked to them and made them publicly shake hands before the game continued.
Nigerians who were at the stadium and in Nigeria were very sad at the result. Both team officials and players refused to talk to the media wearing long looks for another possible miss of the world show in the Americas next year. Although Nigeria’s last two games will be played at home, it is doubtful if the Super Eagles will get support from anybody.
South Africa still officially leads Group C with 17 points scoring 14 goals and conceding 6; three countries secured 11 points each but with goals differences where Nigeria is 2nd with 11 points (a distant 6 behind South Africa the expected 3 points deduction not withstanding) scoring 9 goals and conceding 7 on a +2 difference. Benin is 3rd also with 11 points scoring 7 goals and conceding 7 on zero difference; Rwanda is 4th with with 11 points scoring 5 goals and conceding 5; Lesotho has 6 points scoring 4 goals and conceding 8 while Zimbabwe we can confirm is out of contention with 4 scoring 5 goals and conceding 11goals.
Benin and Lesotho are playing their Day 8 match at 8pm tonight in Abidjan and a Victory for Benin may push the country to 14 points which will be a sad story for Nigeria.
Earlier today at the Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg which Zambia chose to play her home matches, she was shown the exit door of the world cup qualifier even with two more matches to go.
Gilbert Mugisha’s goal from outside the box in the 40th minute sent the Zimbabweans crashing.
Group C will conclude the weeding with another two matches to be played by each country in October. Then, Zambia will host South Africa; Rwanda will play Benin and Nigeria will tackle Lesotho to surrender. All matches will be played on 6th October
Also on 13th October, the last group matches will see South Africa move to subdue Rwanda; Lesotho will fight Zimbabwe while Nigeria will host Benin Republic with their former coach on the Benin bench.
It is important to inform you that only the group winner will get automatic ticket to the world cup finals to be hosted in 2026 by USA, Canada and Mexico. The group runners up will have a chance to compete in a play off in an inter conference battle.
