Nigeria battles South Africa in must-win World Cup qualifying match (LIVE UPDATES)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are now precariously placed fifth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign for Africa.

With just two points from their earlier two games in the series, the ticket to the next World Cup is gradually slipping away from Nigeria.

To arrest that ugly situation, the Super Eagles are condemned to go all out for victory as they trade tackles with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana tonight at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Though he has overseen two friendly games against Ghana and Mali as a caretaker manager, this is officially Coach Finidi George’s first real test as the Super Eagles coach. There is huge pressure on him to start on a winning note.

The absence of Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, due to injury, and injuries to defenders William Ekong (this year’s AFCON’s Man of the Competition), Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins and Zaidu Sanusi mean Finidi must make the best use of the players at his disposal.

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While the red-hot Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface should be able to deliver the goals, Stanley Nwabali is expected to be calm enough to neutralise everything the South Africans will throw at him in this crucial encounter.

Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for the Live Updates.

Kickoff is at 8. pm

Super Eagles starting lineup v Bafana Bafana: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Tanimu; Ndidi, Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Lookman, Onuachu, Iheanacho

Game is underway at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium

The game is 0-0 after the first five minutes of the game

The Super Eagles are looking for their first win in this World Cup qualifying series having drawn their first two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwean

The South Africans have a made a couple of incursions into the Nigeria territory but game remains after the first 20 minutes

Free kick for Nigeria in a promising position to be taken by Ademola Lookman

Goal… South Africa shoot into the lead

Nigeria 0-1 South Africa

Yellow card for South Africa Ndiba

Iheanacho curls in a free kick for Super Eagles but the South Africans handle the situation

The South Africans come close again but Eagles escape this time

The South Africans are opening the Super Eagles defence at will as they look to double their lead

We are gradually moving to the end of the first half

Nigeria O-1 South Africa

The Super Eagles are 1-0 down at the end of the first half at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium against South Africa

Thomas zwane with the all important goal for Bafana Bafana

Second half back on and the Super Eagles start with a bang with a goal

Nigeria 1-1 South Africa

Dele Bashiru with the important equalizer for the Super Eagles

Foul by Onuachu gives South Africa a free kick in their area

Appeal for free kick for Nigeria controversially waved off by the referee

Dele Bashiru helped out of pitch for medical attention

Ten minutes into the second half

Nigeria 1-1 South Africa

Anxious moment for Nigeria but Eagles escape

Dele Bashiru stretched out

We are now the hour mark
Nigeria 1-1 South Africa

Alhassan Yusuf comes in for Dele Bashiru has Finidi makes his first change in the match

A counter attacking move by Sourh Africa thwarted

Another substitution as Kelechi Iheanacho makes way for Samuel Chukwueze

Since breaking the jinx in 1994, the Super Eagles have not missed back-to-back editions of the World Cup, they need to work harder to avoid that

Close.. Chukwueze almost puts Nigeria in front

Semi Ajayi out for Raphael Onyedika while Onuachu makes way for Terem Moffi

Chance for Nigeria but Ademola Lookman was clipped by the South Africans

Nigeria building the pressure but still 1-1 in Uyo

Lookman with another effort but off the target

Five minutes added time

Ademola Lookman denied by the South Africa keeper again

Full Time Nigeria 1-1 South Africa