“Nigeria Can Still Qualify”: Ex Super Eagles Star Insists After Draw vs South Africa in 2026 WCQ
- Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana during matchday 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening, September 9
- Nigeria is left with two matches against the Crocodile of Lesotho and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic
- An ex-international is still optimistic that the three-time AFCON winners can still make it to the Mundial
A former Nigerian international has detailed how Nigeria can still secure a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles suffered a significant setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9.
South Africa took the lead in the 25th minute after Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently converted Teboho Mokoena's cross into the back of the net, giving Stanley Nwabali no chance.
Source: Getty Images
The Al-Kholood defender was handed a starting role in the must-win clash against South Africa, after coming off the bench against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey equalised for Nigeria in the 44th minute via a header, after connecting to a cross from Birmingham's Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Both teams failed to convert their chances in the second half of the games, which produced high emotions from the respective coaches.
The result for the Bafana Bafana means they are edging closer to securing the ticket in the 2026 CAF Qualification Group C, and returning to the tournament since 2010.
Ekpo reacts to Nigeria's chances
1992 AFCON bronze medallist Friday Ekpo urged Nigeria not to give up in their fight to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Soccernet, the ex-Super Eagles star said other countries' results can play a vital role in increasing our chances.
The former midfielder insists that the Super Eagles must win their remaining matches and finish in second place in Group C. Ekpo said via Complete Sports:
"I want to state categorically that the hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not over. The important thing at the moment is for the Super Eagles to win their remaining matches, and pray other countries from the other groups fail to get higher points.
"I strongly believe that Nigeria will make it to the biggest football event in the world."
Source: Getty Images
Draw against South Africa not bad - Ekpo
Friday Ekpo said most pundits never gave Nigeria a chance against South Africa at the Free State Stadium.
He explained that the 1-1 draw has not ruled the Super Eagles out of the World Cup race. Ekpo said:
"The draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa doesn't mean that we are already out of the World Cup race.
"Until the last game against Benin Republic, I am very optimistic that we can qualify for the World Cup."
NFF blame Dessers after Nigeria vs South Africa draw
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) communications department has carpeted Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers after the 1-1 draw against South Africa.
NFF said the former Rangers FC player failed to live up to expectations after a disappointing performance against Rwanda, following his replacement of the injured Victor Osimhen.
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Source: Legit.ng
