By Moses Okorie
Nigeria’s Super Eagles crashed out of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday in the Group C Matchday 8 fixture played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Nigeria needed an outright win to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
South Africa led the group with 16 points and were looking to widen the gap. The hosts opened the scoring in the 25th minute through an own goal by Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong.
The defender deflected the ball into his own net following a defensive mix-up. Nigeria equalised in the 44th minute through Calvin Bassey.
In another match, Tuesday was big wins for Kenya and Namibia, and a major upset as Niger defeated Tanzania away from home.
With Morocco and Tunisia already qualified, the battle for the remaining automatic slots and four play-off spots intensified across multiple groups.
In Nairobi, Kenya recorded their biggest win of the qualifiers with a 5-0 victory over Seychelles.
Senegal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat DR Congo 3-2 in Kinshasa on Tuesday, taking control of Group B in the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
The hosts led 2-0 through early goals from Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, capitalising on a handling error by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Senegal now top the group ahead of October’s fixtures against South Sudan and Mauritania.
DR Congo, now second, face Togo and Sudan in must-win matches to stay in contention.
In Praia, Cape Verde beat Cameroon 1-0 to move four points clear at the top of Group D with two games remaining.