‘This is embarrassing,’ Nigerians react to Super Eagles’ draw against South Africa

Nigerians have reacted to the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

South Africa started the game on the front foot, pressing high and looking to make the most of their home advantage.

Nigeria earned their first corner in the 10th minute when Ademola Lookman swung in a pinpoint cross from the right, but goalkeeper Foster dealt with the threat by heading it away.

The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute after forcing an own goal from Nigeria’s captain, Troost-Ekong, putting Bafana Bafana ahead.

Nigeria responded before the break, with Bassey rising to head home a disputed goal that brought the score level at 1-1. 

Despite an intense second half, neither team was able to find the back of the net as the match ended in a draw after 90 minutes and seven minutes of stoppage time.

The result of the match, which has left the Super Eagles’ hopes of playing in the next World Cup almost impossible, has continued to generate reactions from social media users and football lovers.

Reacting to the result of the match on X, a user, Sir Jarus, questioned the performance of the Nigerian players.

He wrote, “How are these guys playing in Europe? This is embarrassing.”

Popular video director TG Omori tweeted, “Further mathematicians in the house please what’s the formula for calculating Nigerias chances of being at the world cup 2026!”

Another user, @Oku_yungx, wrote, “I hope you guys can clearly see that the SUPER EAGLES coach is dull. 😂😂CHUKWUEZE suppose chop these boys well from First Half.”

@Franklyn1266912 wrote, “This team is finished, we need to lay off a lot of players and build with younger and hungrier players.. I guess this is the end of the world cup journey for us or maybe there would still be a miracle.”

“Poor selection i think is the problem with this coach.. why on earth would you bench a goal scorer of the last game… then included a defender you benched to start in your next game?”, @Rxemmy2016 opined.

@Greatpeter02 tweeted, “Super Eagle not playing like people that deserves a ticket in world cup. Such a terrible performance. They need to do better.”

@CollestC wrote, “This is football you either win-draw-lose that’s the game, as for the world cup,we are out but we can try again next time, so for now let’s focus on the Afcon cup.

Much luv to the super eagles but we can do better next time 💚🦅🇳🇬.”

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