The Super Eagles had revived belief with a hard-fought win over Rwanda, and Eric Chelle’s men went to Bloemfontein needing victory to stay in strong contention for an automatic spot.
But that wasn’t the case, as Hugo Broos’ side held the three-time African champions to a draw, despite Nigeria’s spirited display without injured star Victor Osimhen.
The visitors were dealt an early setback when Ola Aina was forced off injured in the 10th minute and replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Fuelled by home support, South Africa looked sharper in the opening half-hour, with wingers Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis constantly testing Nigeria’s defence with their pace and runs in behind.
The pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Nkota latched onto a clever pass from Bathusi Aubass and fired a low cross that captain William Troost-Ekong turned into his own net.
The Super Eagles eventually found their rhythm and started to push for a response.
Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute, when Calvin Bassey bundled home from close range after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross from the right, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
Coach Chelle made two substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Bruno Onyemaechi and Tolu Arokodare. The latter almost made an instant impact in the 50th minute, firing a shot across the face of goal that nearly put the visitors in front.
South Africa came close to restoring their lead midway through the half, when defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi surged forward and tried to lob Stanley Nwabali, but his effort flew just over the bar.
Before the match, coach Broos had voiced confidence that his team knew exactly what it would take to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“You just have to look at yourself, and I think this is something we have to do here too. We do not have to count on Rwanda, Benin or anyone else (doing us favours) in the group,” he told the media. "We know what we have to do, and we will try to do that, and if we can achieve it, we will qualify for the World Cup.
“I do not look at games and say, ‘Oh this team is playing after us and we played before them’. You just have to focus on your own game, and that is what we will do. What happened before or afterwards, that is not important if we do what we have to do.”
Both teams will wrap up their Group C campaigns in October. Group leaders South Africa will face Zimbabwe away and Rwanda at home, while Nigeria meet Lesotho away before hosting Benin Republic.
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