The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback after they were held to 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo on Friday.
The Eagles have now drawn three straight games and are in fifth place while South Africa occupy fourth spot.
Also, the South Africans have now gone three straight games without losing to the Eagles on home soil.
Themba Zwane had given the South Africans the lead before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalised for the Eagles in the second half.
In the 8th minute Ademola Lookman had the chance to open the scoring on eight minutes after cutting inside from the left but his shot went over the bar.
In the 12th minute South Africa launched a counter but Benjamin Tanimu made a timely clearance for a corner.
The South Africans won a free kick in a dangerous area but Zwane blasted his effort over the wall and off target.
Against the run of play, South Africa took the lead on 29 minutes after Zwane receiving a clever pass, went past two markers before slotting the ball home.
With 10 minutes left South Africa almost doubled their lead but Nwabali quickly rushed out to snuff the danger before Tanimu cleared the rebound.
Elias Mokwana almost got South Africa’s second but hit his effort off target with Nwabali to beat.
The Eagles got off to a perfect start in the second half as Dele-Bashiru equalized on 46 minutes as he received a pass from Alex Iwobi, held off his marker before hitting a low shot past Williams.
South Africa almost restored their lead In the 58th minute as Mokwana broke on the left but his weak strike was well stopped by Nwabali
The Eagles were forced to a change on 61 minutes as Alhassan Yusuf replaced injured Dele-Bashiru.
With 20 minutes left the South Africans launched the ball from defence but Nwabali rushed out from his area to clear the danger.
Bright Osayi-Samuel was presented with a good chance inside on 72 minutes but his effort went straight to the keeper.
Percy Tau had a big chance on 74 minutes after he was left unmarked but his weak effort was saved by Nwabali.
At the other end Samuel Chukwueze almost made it 2-1 after he was played in on goal but his effort come off the cross bar.
Terem Moffi almost won it for the Eagles in added time after going one on one against the South African keeper but could not put the ball past him.
Up next for the Eagles is an away trip to Côte d’Ivoire where they will face third placed Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.
