The Tremendous Eagles’ of Nigeria fails to safe most factors away to South Africa in Bloemfontein leaves Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
With two matches left to play within the group, Nigeria are 6 factors behind South Africa who’re topping Group C with 17 factors, whereas the Tremendous Eagles are on 11 factors alongside Benin Republic who’ve a match at hand.
Nigeria acquired the primary try within the tenth minute, incomes a nook after Ademola Lookman despatched in a pinpoint cross from the fitting. Nonetheless, South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster was fast to react, clearing the risk with a well-timed header.
Within the twenty fifth minute, catastrophe struck for Nigeria as an unlucky objective from captain William Troost-Ekong handed South Africa the lead, placing the Bafana Bafana forward.
Nigeria refused to be crushed and responded simply earlier than half-time. Calvin Bassey’s header, controversial but highly effective, flew into the online to degree the rating at 1-1, silencing the group.
On the break, Nigeria made two daring substitutions to ignite their assault. Arokodare changed Dessers, and Onyemaechi got here on for Troost-Ekong. It didn’t take lengthy for Arokodare to make an influence, racing down the left wing, slicing inside with precision, and unleashing a shot that narrowly missed the goal.
the second half, Nigeria slowly started to grab management, their dominance rising regardless of South Africa’s unwavering resilience.
Within the dying minutes, Nigeria threw every part ahead, however the essential second objective remained out of attain. The missed alternative all however dashed their hopes of qualification.
Regardless of a late surge from Nigeria, the essential second objective eluded them, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
