Today, the Super Eagles chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup were dealt a body blow after they could only force a 1-1 draw in South Africa.
Nigeria needed to win tonight to enhance their chances of qualifying to the World Cup.
They are now provisionally second in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, while Bafana Bafana consolidated their leadership.
They now have 17 points.
Rwanda are third on 11 points same as Nigeria but with an inferior goals difference.
Benin could climb back to second place should they beat Lesotho at home later tonight.
In Bloemfontein, home team South Africa took the lead in the 25th minute, when captain William Ekong put a dangerous cross from the right by Nkoto into his own net.
Calvin Bassey restored parity on 44 minutes when he headed home a cross from the right by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Both teams tried to win the game after the break, but could not as Bafana Bafana are now in a lot stronger position to qualify for their fourth World Cup and Nigeria missing out on the Mundial back-to-back.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs South Africa:
Nwabali- Benjamin Fredrick, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ekong (Captain) (Onyemaechi 46) – Ndidi (Uche 70)s, Moses Simon (Chukwueze 78), Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru – Lookman, Dessers (Arokodare 46)
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