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 against before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalised for the Eagles in the second half.
Paul Onuachu had the first chance on three minutes but could not direct his header on target from close range.
In the 8th minute Ademola Lookman cut inside from the left but his shot went over the bar.
On 10 minutes South Africa had their first shot on target from outside the box but Stanley Nwabali got down well to stop the shot.
In the 12th minute South Africa launched a counter but Benjamin Tanimu made a timely clearance for a corner.
The South Africans won a freekick in a dangerous area but Themba Zwane blasted his effort off target.
In the 27th minute Ndidi got to the right wing but delivered a poor cross which was well handled by Ronwen Williams.
Zwane opened the scoring on 29 minutes after receiving a clever pass beat two markers before placing the ball into the back of the net.
On 33 minutes Kelechi Iheanacho floated in a free kick but it evaded everyone inside the box.
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.
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.
In the 58th minute 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 a long ball but Nwabali rushes 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 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 only to see his effort hit the bar.
With nine minutes left Lookman got inside the box but his shot was blocked.
Lookman had another opportunity on 87 minutes but failed to direct his shot towards his off a floated pass from Raphael Onyedika.
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.
