South Africa held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Friday, keeping the Super Eagles winless in their 2026 World Cup qualifying Group C campaign. The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place with three points from three matches, while South Africa sits third with four points.

Lesotho, ranked 149th in the world, surprisingly tops the group with five points after a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe earlier in the day. Rwanda, with four points and a superior goal difference, is second, while Benin shares the same points but trails in goal difference.

In a match held in Uyo, southern Nigeria, the encounter mirrored the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in the Ivory Coast, which also ended 1-1 before Nigeria advanced on penalties.

The Super Eagles started strongly with Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman, and Benjamin Tanimu attempting shots at goal in the first half. However, South Africa gradually found their rhythm. A Teboho Mokoena free kick narrowly missed, brushing the crossbar with Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali beaten.

South Africa took the lead in the 29th minute when Themba Zwane broke through the Nigerian defense and scored. The Super Eagles had a scare in the 36th minute when Tanimu cleared a chipped effort off the line after Nwabali was beaten.

Nigeria equalized in the second half through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who was set up by Alex Iwobi. Both teams had opportunities to score the winning goal, but South Africa's Elias Mokwana and Nigeria's Onuachu and Lookman were denied by the goalkeepers.

With Group C still wide open, Nigeria will aim for their first win in an away match against Benin on Monday, while South Africa will host Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The outcomes of these matches could significantly impact the standings and the race for qualification.