In a highly competitive clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles managed to secure a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match on June 7, 2024.
The game kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. South Africa’s intent was clear as they pushed forward with purpose, creating early chances.
Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Themba Zwane scored a beautiful team goal. Zwane finished off a well-executed attack, slotting the ball past Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
This goal highlighted South Africa’s sharp passing and effective movement, putting Nigeria on the back foot.
Nigeria responded with determination, pressing hard for an equalizer before halftime. They came close in the 42nd minute when Paul Onuachu rose above the South African defence to meet a cross, but his header was brilliantly saved by Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s goalkeeper. Despite their efforts, the Super Eagles went into the break trailing.
The second half began with Nigeria in desperate need of a goal. They found it almost immediately after the restart.
In the 46th minute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru turned his defender on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the corner, levelling the score at 1-1. The stadium erupted as Dele-Bashiru’s strike brought Nigeria back into the game.
Moments later, controversy struck when Dele-Bashiru was seemingly fouled inside the penalty area. The Nigerian forward was brought down after a robust challenge, but the referee waved play on, and with no VAR available to review the incident, Nigeria’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed. This decision sparked outrage among the home fans and the Nigerian bench.
South Africa continued to pose a threat, with their quick transitions testing Nigeria’s defence. In the 47th minute, Khuliso Mudau received a yellow card for a late tackle on Onuachu, adding to the physicality of the match. Both teams created chances as the game wore on, but neither could find the decisive goal.
The match saw its share of near-misses and tense moments. In the 79th minute, John Ogwuche’s rebound narrowly missed the target for Nigeria, while South Africa’s Percy Tau and Teboho Mokoena were constant threats on the break.
As the final whistle approached, both sides pushed for a winner. Nigeria’s late efforts almost paid off in the dying minutes, but South Africa’s defence held firm and the game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The result leaves both teams with mixed feelings. Nigeria, while relieved to avoid a home defeat, would feel they had opportunities to clinch the win.
South Africa, on the other hand, would be satisfied with a point away from home, having showcased their resilience and ability to compete against one of Africa’s top teams.
This draw keeps the World Cup qualifying group wide open and sets the stage for more exciting matches ahead.
Both teams will now regroup and prepare for their next fixtures, with Nigeria hoping to capitalize on their home advantage in future games and South Africa looking to build on their promising away performance.
