Nigeria’s automatic World Cup qualification chances took another blow after a 1-1 draw against group leaders South Africa.
The Super Eagles have drawn five of their eight matches and have only beaten Rwanda – and are in danger of missing out on even a play-off place.
They last played in the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
South Africa, on the other hand, are well placed to reach their first finals since they were hosts in 2010.
Nigeria are six points behind South Africa with two games left. They could yet reach the African play-offs as one of four best second-placed sides, with one nation then progressing to a final intercontinental qualifier.
South Africa took the lead when former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong put through his own net, before Fulham’s Calvin Bassey scored his first international goal to draw the sides level at the break.
Meanwhile Egypt’s bid to secure World Cup qualification was put on hold after a 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso in a sluggish Group A encounter in Ouagadougou.
Hossam Hassan;s unbeaten side moved to 20 points and lead Group A by five points from Burkina Faso, with two matches remaining in the qualifiers.
