Bloemfontein – Bafana Bafana and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
South Africa drew first blood in the 27th minute when a quick counterattack forced Nigeria into conceding an own goal. The visitors responded just before halftime, with Calvin Bassey netting the equaliser in the 44th minute.
The halftime whistle went with the score level at 1-1, and both sides returned for the second half determined to find a winner. Hugo Broos’ men, urged on by a lively home crowd, pushed forward with renewed energy, while the Super Eagles absorbed the pressure and looked dangerous on the break.
Broos made four changes from the line-up that faced Lesotho days earlier. Zuko Mdunyelwa replaced the injured Nyiko Mobbie, though he later made way for Thabiso Monyane in the 63rd minute. Samukele Kabini was handed a start ahead of Aubrey Modiba, while Bathusi Aubaas was chosen over Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha.
Despite several chances in the second half, neither side could convert, with Nigeria’s defence holding firm to claim a valuable point on the road.
After eight matches played, South Africa remain top of Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria trail in second with 11. The draw keeps both nations in the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
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