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Can Nigeria Still Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup After South Africa Draw?

By: Kamal Yalwa: September 9, 2025 Nigeria’s quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial Group C qualifier on Tuesday evening in Bloemfontein. The result, while hard-fought, leaves the Super Eagles further adrift in the race for an automatic qualification spot and raises pressing questions: Can Nigeria still qualify for the World Cup? Here’s what we know. Tuesday’s draw was yet another frustrating chapter in what has been a turbulent qualifying campaign for Nigeria. Missing key players, most notably striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, the Super Eagles once again showed flashes of quality — but failed to convert chances into three points. An own goal by William Troost-Ekong gave South Africa the lead before Calvin Bassey headed in the equaliser before half-time. Despite dominating parts of the second half, Nigeria couldn’t find a winner, leaving them outside the automatic qualification places. South Africa remain top of Group C, maintaining a comfortable lead over their rivals. Nigeria, meanwhile, are now at risk of falling behind both South Africa and another key contender depending on other matchday results. With only the top team in each group guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria’s position is precarious. Nigeria still has matches left to play, but the margin for error is now virtually non-existent. To stand a chance of direct qualification, the Super Eagles must: If direct qualification slips out of reach, Nigeria could still be in contention for a CAF play-off spot, which allows certain group runners-up to fight for a final place via intercontinental play-offs. The draw against South Africa underlined some of the team’s recurring issues — defensive lapses, missed chances, and lack of consistency in attack. Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle now faces increasing pressure to turn things around quickly. While qualification remains mathematically possible, the Super Eagles must deliver near-perfect performances in their remaining matches — and hope results elsewhere go their way. Yes, Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but the path is now steep, and every remaining game is effectively a must-win. Anything less, and Africa’s most populous nation could miss out on football’s biggest stage.

South Africa vs Nigeria: World Cup qualifier – start, team news and lineups

South Africa vs Nigeria: Lineups, Team News and What’s at Stake in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Fola Badmus1 week ago1 week ago06 mins

Bloemfontein, South Africa — A high-stakes clash awaits as Group C leaders South Africa host Nigeria in a pivotal CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. With only two matchdays remaining in the first round of African qualifiers, the outcome of this match could reshape the group standings and heavily influence who makes it to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament. Match DetailsWho: South Africa vs NigeriaCompetition: CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Group CVenue: Free State Stadium, BloemfonteinDate: Tuesday, September 9Kick-off: 6:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT)Live coverage: Al Jazeera Sport live text commentary from 13:30 GMT Group Leaders: South Africa’s Road to the World Cup Bafana Bafana come into the fixture unbeaten at home during this qualifying campaign, with solid wins over Benin (2-1), Zimbabwe (3-1), and Lesotho (3-0). They currently sit top of Group C with 16 points and a +8 goal difference, five clear of Nigeria. A victory on Tuesday would all but guarantee qualification, leaving only a minimal mathematical chance for rivals to catch up. But head coach Hugo Broos will be forced to reshuffle his defense after injuries to Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon Moloisane. Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabiso Monyane is expected to deputise, while Lyle Foster, fresh off a goal and assist against Lesotho, will lead the attack. Nigeria’s Must-Win Mission For the Super Eagles, the road to World Cup qualification is narrowing. Currently third in the group with 10 points, Nigeria must beat South Africa to revive their chances of topping the group and qualifying directly. Their challenge, however, is complicated by the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, ruled out due to a chin injury sustained during their 1-0 win over Rwanda on Friday. Head coach Eric Chelle is likely to turn to Tolu Arokodare to spearhead the attack, with Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi expected to provide attacking support. Cyriel Dessers and Samuel Chukwueze are also options off the bench. Group C Standings (After 7 Matches)South Africa: 16 pts (+8 GD)Benin: 11 pts (0 GD)Nigeria: 10 pts (+2 GD)Rwanda: 8 pts (-1 GD)Lesotho: 6 pts (-4 GD)Zimbabwe: 4 pts (-5 GD) What’s at Stake? Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four best runners-up across the nine CAF groups will enter an intercontinental playoff for one final African spot. Nigeria must win against South Africa and in their remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin to have any hope of winning the group or securing a playoff place. Last Five Matches South Africa: W W W W WNigeria: D W D D W Head-to-Head Record Since 2004Played: 13Nigeria Wins: 6South Africa Wins: 1Draws: 6 The last time South Africa and Nigeria met in Bloemfontein was during the 2019 AFCON qualifiers, where Nigeria won 2-1. Predicted Starting LineupsSouth Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams (GK); Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Monyane, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; FosterNigeria (4-3-3): Nwabali (GK); Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon, Lookman, Arokodare How to Follow Follow Al Jazeera Sport for pre-match coverage from 13:30 GMT, followed by live text commentary, in-depth analysis, and post-match reactions. This clash is more than a qualifier — it’s a battle for continental supremacy and survival. Can Nigeria revive their campaign without Osimhen? Or will South Africa seal qualification at home in front of a roaring Bloemfontein crowd?

Chelle Picks Ekong, Osimhen, 21 Others For 2026 W/Cup Qualifiers

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Captain William Ekong, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been included in Nigeria’s final list of 23 players for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, just as defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers. Greece-based goalie Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group, alongside Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, and forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow on 6th June this year. The Super Eagles confront the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 6th September before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September. FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

World Cup Qualifier: South Africa to Host Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Sept 9

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will play host to three-time African champions Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 9th September 2025. According to information from Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, the highly-anticipated game will commence at 4pm GMT (which is 5pm Nigeria time and 6pm in South Africa). Formerly known as the Vodacom Park and later as Free State Stadium, the Toyota Stadium in South Africa’s judicial capital, was opened in 1995 and has capacity for 46,000 spectators. The potentially-explosive Matchday 8 encounter is expected to have enormous implications for which team will eventually win the only ticket from Africa’s qualifying group C to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and comes three days after the Super Eagles would have hosted Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, 6th September.

UNESCO Adds 26 New Sites to World Heritage List

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

UNESCO has announced the addition of 26 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage List, recognizing locations of exceptional cultural, historical, and natural value. The newly inscribed sites span across continents, from ancient ruins in Turkey to biodiversity hotspots in Africa and sacred landscapes in Australia. In Turkey, the ruins of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe—remnants of a powerful Iron Age civilization—were added to the list. The site includes a historic settlement, cemetery, and ancient temples. In Africa, several key locations earned recognition: In Brazil, the Peruaçu River Canyon was recognized for its dramatic landscapes, extensive cave systems, and more than 2,000 plant and animal species. Australia’s Murujuga Cultural Landscape, featuring ancient rock formations and spiritual heritage sites of the Ngarda-Ngarli people, was also inscribed for its cultural and spiritual significance. UNESCO’s list also grew with several Asian sites, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity.

Rivers Hoopers’ Odaudu Set Priorities Ahead Of BAL Playoffs

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago13 mins

Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu has announced that the team has made additions to its squad to address defensive issues ahead of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. According to Odaudu, the team’s defensive problems were a major concern after finishing the Kalahari Conference with two losses to Al Ittihad Alexandria. To address this issue, the team has brought in Ahmed Doumbia, a defensive-minded players from the French League and Chingka Garba a Nigerian who plays in Rwanda. “We wanted to address that [defensive problems], so we wanted to bring someone who will address that issue,” Odaudu said. When asked about the addition of Ahmed Doumbia and Garba Chingka, Odaudu replied: “We needed to address the deficiency in defence. “Of course, Ahmed plays in the French League. [He is] very defensive minded and, of course, he is a beast on the offense. We needed someone to assist Kelvin [Amayo] in defensive duties in the back court, so we brought him [Doumbia] here.” Preparation has been all plain sailing for Odaudu, with Nigeria forward Chingka joining the fold to stack up the quality of the team. “Also, we brought in another player, Odaudu said. “We were almost playing Peter [[Olisemeka] to the ground. We needed someone who could do that, too that was why we brought in Garba Chingka. The KingsMen will face US Monastir in the seeding game on Saturday, June 7, a side they had played four times previously and won as much as they had lost (twice).

Chingka Garba Joins Rivers Hoopers Ahead of BAL Season 5 Playoffs

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago11 mins

Rivers Hoopers have completed the signing of Chingka Garba for the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. Garba joins the KingsMen from Orion Basketball Club in Rwanda, where he proved his mettle as one of the most efficient players in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL). He also starred for Gboko City Chiefs during the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) where he averaged near double-doubles, leading to his inclusion in the league’s All-star 5. At 6’8”Garba brings size, mobility, on-court intelligence, and an aggressive style of play that’s expected to give the KingsMen a new dynamic in both offense, , ahead of the BAL season 5 playoffs billed to hold between 6th-14th June, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Egypt 2025: South Africa’s Amajita Condemn Flying Eagles to Third Place Match

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Nigeria failed to reach the final of the 18th Africa U20 Cup of Nations as a calm and composed Amajita soaked up all the pressure and intensity from the Flying Eagles, and then landed the sucker punch midway into the second half to win by the odd goal and condemn the seven-time champions to Sunday’s third-place match. The Flying Eagles started with so much intensity and muscle-flexing, butcould have done with a lot more coordination and composure in the final third as the opportunities came and went without any one being utilized. Forward Kparobo Arierhi could not get his head to a teasing cross byClinton Jephta in the 22nd minute, and then missed target from six yardswith only the goalkeeper to beat on the half-hour. Three minutes later, Thabang Mahlangu could have profited from Amajita’s first real incursion upfront when goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt missed an inswinger, but captain Daniel Bameyi spirited the ball away from goal. Arierhi, always with the chances, bundled over the bar another cross byJephta in the 37th minute, and two minutes later, after turning his marker, saw his shot diverted away from goal. On the hour mark, Nigeria lost the dependable goalkeeper Harcourt toinjury, and one minute later, substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub cameclose to bungling a simple cross with Kgomotso Madiba waiting for aslip. The slip came five minutes later, as Yakub again miscalculated the ballfrom a pull-out and defender Tylon Smith rose above him to head into the net. Opportunities fell to substitute Mendos Rickson and Auwal Ibrahim lateron, but the Flying Eagles could not find parity and must now play the loser of the second semi-final (between hosts Egypt and Morocco) for the bronze medals on Sunday.