Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana played out an eventful first half at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with both teams finding the net as the sides went into the break tied 1-1.

The match started with South Africa pressing early, looking to capitalise on home advantage. Nigeria had the first corner in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a cross from the right, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster cleared the ball with a header.

South Africa threatened on the counter following the corner, with Nkota sprinting forward after a long ball from midfield, only to be denied by a swift save from Nigeria keeper NWABALI.

The game’s first booking came in the 18th minute, with South Africa’s Ngezana and Nigeria’s Lookman receiving yellow cards. Shortly after, Ola Aina was forced off due to a hamstring injury following a challenge from Kabini. Bright Osayi-Samuel came on as his replacement.

South Africa broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A superb through ball from midfielder Mokoena found Nkota on the flank. Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving the hosts the lead. By this point, South Africa had dominated possession (58 percent) and created more attempts (two) compared to Nigeria’s zero.

Despite trailing, Nigeria pushed forward. Osayi-Samuel showed early promise down the right wing but was met by three defenders who regained possession for the hosts. The first half saw intense moments, including a minor tussle between players that required the referee’s intervention.

Nigeria found a dramatic equaliser just before the break. Lookman initiated the move from central midfield, finding Simon on the right, whose cross was headed home by Bassey. Replays suggested the ball may have struck Bassey’s arm, but with no VAR in the match, the goal stood.

The referee signalled three minutes of added time, and the first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1. South Africa aim to extend their lead at the top of the group, while Nigeria hope the result boosts their bid to move into second place.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will take centre stage on Tuesday as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

With Group C reaching its climax, both teams are under pressure to get a result. South Africa aims to solidify its position at the top of the group, while Nigeria is desperate for a win to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

Current standings

Bafana Bafana lead the group on 16 points after sweeping aside Lesotho 3-0 in their last outing. Nigeria trails in third with 10 points, just one shy of Benin Republic, who sit second. On Sunday, the Eagles narrowly edged Rwanda 1-0 to stay in the race.

Eagles under pressure

Nigeria’s inconsistent form—only two wins in five matches—means this tie could prove pivotal. Adding to the challenge, Hugo Broos’ South Africa are on a three-match unbeaten run at home and have won three qualifiers in a row.

Injury watch and key battles

The availability of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain after the striker suffered a knock against Rwanda.

Former coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia, has revealed why Rwandan players injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over the Amamubi on Saturday.

Osimhen was injured in the first half of Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Nigerian coach Eric Chelle earlier expressed uncertainty over the striker’s availability for the next game against South Africa coming up on Tuesday.

However, it was  reports that the Galatasaray frontman has been ruled out of the very important game.

Osimhen was replaced with Cyriel Dessers in the encounter.

Many Nigerian fans were praying and hoping that the striker could make the trip to South Africa for the crucial encounter at the Free State Stadium.

Siasia, while analysing the game on Super Sports, noted that the Amavubi stars knew what they were doing, adding it was a clear game plan.

According to him, Osimhen was causing the visitors so much problem and they had to find a way to take him out.

“Of course, they knew exactly what they were doing. He was causing them a lot of problems so they had to take him out.

“It was how the Rwandans wanted to play. So that was a very good game plan for them,” Siasia said.

The Nigerian team are on their way to South Africa without their main striker. They will play Bafana Bafana on Tuesday.

Osimhen’s injury remains a big blow for Nigeria as everybody is looking up to him as the impact player for the three-time African champions to deliver the goods.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM