Nigeria’s hopes of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another blow on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein — and the Nigeria Football Federation did not hold back in its assessment of the team’s performance.
The encounter started on a sour note for the visitors when Ola Aina limped off just eight minutes into the clash. Matters deteriorated further in the 25th minute as captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to hand Bafana Bafana the lead.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, however, gave Nigeria a lifeline moments before the break, rising highest to nod home a cross after combining with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Despite dominating the second half, the Eagles failed to translate possession into goals. Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche all struggled to breach a disciplined South African backline.
In a statement signed by NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the federation specifically criticised striker Cyriel Dessers, who was substituted at half-time.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive outing in Uyo, did not fare any better in Bloemfontein. He was too slow in reacting to passes, ineffective in aerial duels, and contributed little to Nigeria’s attack,” the NFF noted.
The governing body also pointed fingers at skipper Troost-Ekong for the own goal that put Nigeria under early pressure.
“The team’s momentum dipped after the captain accidentally diverted the ball into his own net, gifting the Bafana Bafana a lead and renewed energy,” the statement added.
While applauding Bassey for his determination to pull Nigeria level, the federation lamented the team’s overall second-half display, saying the Eagles “offered little end product” despite their territorial advantage.
The draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa, who now have 17. The Super Eagles must win their final two fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic — and hope other results go their way — to keep alive any chance of featuring at next year’s World Cup in North America.
