The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup became further bleak as a frustrating 1-1 draw against South Africa further sunk the hope and enthusiasts of sports loving Nigerians that their darling team would hoist Nigerian flag in the world cup fiesta.
Having reignited the hope with a narrow 1-0 win against Rwanda last week, the Nigerian national team travelled to South Africa to further seal their chance of securing the World Cup ticket.
The West African giant however smeared the hope with a not too impressive and shambolic performance against the Bafana Bafanas.
Super Eagles recorded a shaky start of the match with captain Williams Troost-Ekong’s own goal gifting the host nation the lead halfway to the first 45 minutes.
Troost-Ekong’s blushes would however be saved by Fulham defender Calvin Bassey who brought the game to levels term with a powerful header in the 44th minute.
However the absence of Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimehn, was largely felt by the Super Eagles as Cyril Dessers failed to fill the boot of the talisman before being subbed off in the second half.
Replacing Dessers was Tolu Arokodare who nearly put Nigeria into the lead after sneaking off a South African defender.
The English Premier League new boy however had his chance hit the woodwork.
Arokodare’s sleek attempt tends to be the closest chance Nigeria gets as they failed to break through the Bafana Bafana’s defense.
Wit the host nations also recording meagre effort against Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
