Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another knock on Tuesday night after a bruising 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein, footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles, needing victory to stay on the heels of Group C leaders, again found themselves chasing shadows after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal gifted the Bafana Bafana the lead.
Calvin Bassey’s first-ever strike for Nigeria brought them level, but Eric Chelle’s men could not find a winner.
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Here are six takeaways from a night of frustration, controversy, and the occasional flash of promise.
1. Super Eagles failed to win but Benjamin Fredrick won our hearts
At just 20, Benjamin Fredrick has become the unlikely heartbeat of Nigeria’s defence. Calm on the ball, quick in recovery, and fearless in duels, the teenager showed composure beyond his years in a hostile environment.
South Africa’s forwards targeted him, but he rarely flinched. If there was a silver lining in Bloemfontein, it was Fredrick proving Nigeria’s future at centre-back looks secure.
Benjamin Fredrick.
The future is in safe hands. pic.twitter.com/GBgpSupLhJ
— NoteS. (@NoteSphere) September 9, 2025
2. Eric Chelle has questions to answer
Chelle has been praised for restoring discipline since taking charge, but his tactical choices in this game raised eyebrows.
Playing Ademola Lookman out of position blunted Nigeria’s most dangerous forward. Starting Cyriel Dessers ahead of the sharper Tolu Arokodare also backfired, while persisting with the ageing Troost-Ekong ended in the calamity of an own goal. The Super Eagles attack looked blunt without Victor Osimhen, and while Chelle is arguably the most competent Super Eagles coach since Gernot Rohr, Tuesday’s game was a reminder that he cannot escape scrutiny.
Eric Chelle, since taking over from Finidi George.
– Four games.
– Eigh points from possible 12.Tactically, I think Eric Chelle isn’t bad.
However, he will have to prove that to us at the AFCON in Morocco pic.twitter.com/IVQoAJnAjf
— MR OLAWALE QUADRI (@QualityQuadry) September 9, 2025
3. That Bloemfontein pitch was a disgrace
The Free State Stadium surface resembled a rugby field more than a World Cup qualifier venue. Bobbles, uneven grass, and patches of bare earth made flowing football nearly impossible.
Nigeria struggled to impose any rhythm, and even South Africa’s slick passing was compromised. CAF and FIFA had initially rejected the stadium, only to approve it later, a decision that now looks farcical. For a fixture of this magnitude, the playing conditions were an embarrassment.
How could @FIFAcom and @CAF_Online approve this pitch in Bloemfontein for a #FIFAWorldCup2026 qualifier? HOW? It’s a potato farm. pic.twitter.com/HHomjQ9lGA
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) September 9, 2025
4. Calvin Bassey’s moment of redemption
Bassey’s bullet header on the stroke of half-time was more than just an equaliser, it was a personal milestone. Having endured criticism for inconsistency since his debut in 2022, the Fulham defender finally wrote his name on the scoresheet in Nigeria colours.
He celebrated like a man unburdened, and while the night ended in frustration, Bassey’s breakthrough was one bright spot in a dark evening.
Calvin Bassey Appreciation Tweet ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OA3yvhbMtK
— SMALLIE (@the_smallie) September 9, 2025
5. Tempers flare as coaches nearly come to blows
The night wasn’t short on drama. Around the 70th minute, coaches Eric Chelle and Hugo Broos squared up on the touchline after South Africa’s Mokoena slipped on the poor surface.
Broos accused Nigeria of foul play, Chelle snapped back, and the pair had to be separated. It was a moment that captured the needle in this rivalry: passion on the edge of chaos.
6. Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread
The draw leaves Nigeria in fourth place with 11 points, level with Rwanda but trailing on goal difference.
South Africa remain top on 17 points and now look nailed on for automatic qualification. For the Super Eagles, the only realistic path is through the playoffs, with tricky fixtures against Lesotho and Benin to come in November. Qualification is still possible, but the margin for error is now virtually non-existent.
