South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Nigeria’s Super Eagles played out an intense 1-1 draw in their Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium on Tuesday evening, leaving South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat for qualification as the campaign nears its climax.

The match was a showcase of grit and flair, with both sides trading goals in a first half marked by momentum shifts. Bafana struck first in the 25th minute when Mohau Nkota’s incisive low cross forced an own goal from Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong. Nigeria hit back just before the break, with Calvin Bassey bundling in a close-range effort in the 44th minute off a precise cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Despite flashes of brilliance in the second half, neither team could break the deadlock, leaving Bafana six points clear at the top of Group C.

Nigeria faced an early setback when Ola Aina exited with an injury in the 10th minute, replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Bafana capitalized on their early rhythm, with wingers Nkota and Oswin Appollis stretching the Super Eagles’ defense. Nkota’s burst of speed and a pinpoint through ball from Bathusi Aubass led to the opener, as Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The Super Eagles regrouped, growing in confidence, and Bassey’s equalizer—set up by Dele-Bashiru’s delivery—restored parity just before halftime. The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides.

Nigeria introduced Bruno Onyemaechi and Tolu Arokodare at the break, with Arokodare nearly swinging the game in the 50th minute, his effort skimming wide of the post. Bafana responded with a moment of audacity when defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi surged forward and unleashed a long-range shot that narrowly cleared the bar, testing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s positioning. As the match wound down, Bafana’s substitutions—Thalente Mbatha and Kamogelo Sebelebele—brought fresh energy, pinning the Super Eagles back, but the scoreline held firm.

With this result, Bafana Bafana maintain their lead in Group C, setting up crucial final qualifiers against Zimbabwe away and Rwanda at home in October. The Super Eagles face a tougher path, with matches against Lesotho away and Benin at home, as they aim to close the gap and secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.