Bassey’s header levels score for Nigeria against South Africa

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

South Africa and Nigeria are playing 1-1 in the first half of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Group C match at Free State Stadium.

The Round 8 clash, which kicked off at 5:00 PM local time (15:00 GMT), saw both teams share the spoils in a tightly contested first half, with the result leaving South Africa atop the group and Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

The match began with early drama as Nigeria’s Ola Aina was substituted in the 10th minute due to an injury, with Bright Osayi-Samuel stepping in.

Both teams displayed cautious yet aggressive play, with South Africa holding a slight edge in possession (52% to Nigeria’s 48%) by halftime.

The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Nigeria’s defense faltered, allowing South Africa to take the lead via an own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who inadvertently directed the ball into his own net under pressure.

Nigeria responded late in the first half, capitalizing on a defensive error by South Africa.

In the 44th minute, Calvin Bassey redeemed his team by scoring an equalizer, assisted by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, though the goal was controversially attributed as an own goal by South Africa’s Siyabonga Ngezana in some reports.

The first half ended 1-1, with both sides registering three shots on target but failing to convert further chances.