The chances of automatic qualification of the Nigeria World Cup took another hit after a 1-1 draw against the South Africa group leaders.
The Super Eagles have pulled five of their eight games and only beat Rwanda – and may miss even a barrage place.
They played for the last time during the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
South Africa, on the other hand, is well placed to reach their first finals since their host in 2010.
Nigeria has six points behind South Africa with two games to play. They could still reach the African playoffs as one of the best four teams placed in second position, with a nation which then progressed to a last intercontinental qualifier.
South Africa took the lead when the former Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong, put through his own net, before Calvin Bassey de Fulham marked his first international objective to attract the level of the parts to the break.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian attempt to guarantee the qualification of the World Cup was suspended after a 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso in a slow group met in Ouagadougou.
Hossam Hassan’s undefeated team went to 20 points and at the head of group A of five points from Burkina Faso, with two remaining matches in qualifying.
