Calvin Bassey headed his first international goal as Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa in their latest World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein this evening.
The Fulham defender’s close range header just before the half-time interval levelled the contest after the Super Eagles had made a disastrous start when former Fulham academy defender William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal. The draw has damaged Nigeria’s prospects of qualifying automatically for next summer’s finals in Canada, the United States and Mexico, as they remain six points behind Bafana Bafana, who top the group. Only the group winners will qualify as of right – with Nigeria realistically now targeting a play-off place.
The Super Eagles will still need to be one of the four best runners-up in the nine groups of CAF qualifying to be certain of a place in the intercontinental play-offs. Benin could overtake Nigeria if they draw or beat Lesotho later this evening.
