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Bloemfontein: Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, leaving both sides with a point in their World Cup qualifying group.
The match began with South Africa pressing aggressively to capitalize on home advantage. Nigeria’s first opportunity came in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross from the right, but goalkeeper Foster cleared the danger with a header.
The visitors fell behind in the 25th minute after an unfortunate own goal by Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, giving Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria responded before halftime, as Bassey powered a controversial header into the net to level the score at 1-1. In the second half, Nigeria made two attacking substitutions, bringing on Arokodare for Dessers and Onyemaechi for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare immediately made an impact with a brilliant run down the left wing and a near-miss shot. Dele-Bashiru also tested the South African defence, but his effort was blocked.
South Africa made substitutions to manage the closing stages, while Nigeria completed all five substitutions, bringing on Uche and Chukwueze. Late in the match, Nigeria had a chance to win when Uche fired a low shot, but it rolled wide.
The draw gives each team a single point, with Nigeria moving provisionally to second place in the group. The Super Eagles, previously third, will need victories in their upcoming fixtures to improve their World Cup qualification hopes.
The match highlighted Nigeria’s resilience in bouncing back from an early setback, while also exposing defensive vulnerabilities that must be addressed as the qualifiers continue.
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Can we still qualify like this hmm
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