2026 WCQ Nigeria 1 South Africa 1: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru stunning goal salvages point for Super Eagles 

Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in matchday three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers played on Friday night at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In the opening stages of the game, Ademola Lookman recorded Nigeria's first attempt on goal but couldn't keep his shot down.

It was South Africa that opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a lapse in concentration by the Nigerian defence.

Themba Zwane received the ball in the penalty area and slipped past Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi before finding the bottom corner

The home side were presented with a chance to restore parity in the 33rd minute through a set piece but Calvin Bassey couldn't put the chance away.

Four minutes before halftime, Paul Onuachu could have gotten the equalizer but was denied by Ronwen Williams.

Sixty seconds after the start of the second half, Nigeria drew levels through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who after receiving a pass from Alex Iwobi rolled past his marker and buried the ball home.

Bright Osayi-Samuel was presented with a golden opportunity to put Nigeria ahead in the 71st minute but fired his effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Percy Tau got a clear cut chance at the other end but surprisingly fluffed his lines, to the shock of many.

Moments later, Samuel Chukwueze had his effort come off the crossbar after combining well with Iwobi.

Three minutes before stoppage time, Lookman had the chance to put Nigeria but failed to hit the target.

The Atalanta forward was denied again from getting on the scoresheet in the stoppage time by Williams' brilliant save and afterwards put Terem Moffi 1v1 with the goalkeeper but the latter couldn't put the ball home.

The game ended with Nigeria unable to get the winner and will now have to ensure they get the maximum points against Benin if they are to avoid missing out from the World Cup for the second consecutive time.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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