The dreams of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup yesterday suffered a major setback following a 1-1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The qualifiers played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo saw the visitors controlling the early proceedings of the game.
South Africa showed their early intents of getting a win with Themba Zwane coming close to breaking the deadlock for Bafana Bafana as his free-kick rattled the crossbar in the 15th minute.
However, 19 minutes later, Zwane opened the scoring to put their hosts under pressure.
The hosts who continued to struggle barely made any attempt until the 40th minute when Paul Onuachu earned Super Eagles’ first shot on target with a header that was calmly saved by Ronwen Williams who ensured the first half ended 1-0.
Barely a minute into the second half, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles to draw level.
With the time ticking down, both coaches made some tactical changes as they bidded to get all three points as the game ended 1-1.
It will be noted the Super Eagles remain winless after securing a third draw just as Finidi George begins his tenure with a draw
The Super Eagles who needed a win to top Group C have now dropped to fifth on the table with three points ahead of the next match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Monday while Lesotho lead the group with five points.