The Super Eagles of Nigeria had a chance to put their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey back on track against South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle's side started the game rather slowly, with Bafana Bafana showing more intent in the opening minutes.
Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a roadblock when the team captain, William Troost-Ekong, was recalled into the starting lineup after starting the game against Rwanda on the bench. He put the ball past his own goalkeeper in the 25th minute.
Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey rose highest just before half-time to score a bullet header as Nigeria drew level.
The Super Eagles huffed and puffed in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare coming closest to finding a winner, but his chance went just wide. Soccernet.ng discusses five talking points from Nigeria's draw against South Africa.
Ola Aina's hamstring injury
Barely five minutes into the game at the Free State Stadium, the Nottingham Forest full-back clutched his hamstring after he was tackled by South Africa's Samukelo Kabini.
While his replacement, Bright Osayi-Samuel, put in a decent shift, the early exit of one of the team's senior and most-trusted defenders put a dent on the team spirit.
It could be a further blow for the former Chelsea defender as his club side just agreed to make Ange Postecoglou their head coach. Should the injury keep him out for a long while, he might lose his starting spot under a new manager at the City Ground.
Just the thought of Ange-ball has seen Ola Aina pull up after 7 minutes for Nigeria holding his hamstring.
With Zinchenko unable to play, Savona prob now makes his debut.
Just reminding myself it’s a free hit #NFFC pic.twitter.com/8rS4xf5NIk— FFSForest (@Forest_No_22) September 9, 2025
Benjamin Frederick will be around for a long time
In a contrast of displays, a 20-year-old centre-back played with more maturity and experience than a 31-year-old Ekong on the night.
The FCV Dender defender completed twelve clearances, made six ball recoveries, won all his ground duels, all while maintaining an 86% pass accuracy.
His performance against Rwanda didn't leave anyone wanting, and now, the Nigerian fans will be expecting the youngster to be included in the Super Eagles' starting lineup moving forward.
The William Troost-Ekong chapter could be over
The AFCON 2023 MVP might simply be past it at the top level. While his heart is at the right place, as he's mentioned, he wants to help Nigeria reach another World Cup before he retires from the national team, his body might simply not allow him.
Ekong committed an error which led to Zimbabwe's equaliser at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium back in March, and today, against South Africa, he put the ball into his own goal.
Surely, he still has a lot to offer the team in terms of being their captain and an experienced defender, but not as a starter anymore, and he could well be on his way out of the team after the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.
South Africa's poor turf
While the Bafana Bafana players might be used to the turf at the Free State Toyota Stadium, it doesn't take away the truth that the pitch was in poor condition.
Ndidi and Moses Simon accidentally fell walking out for Nigeria vs. South Africa pic.twitter.com/OO6Uu0IoQt
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 9, 2025
The players were slipping way more than usual and struggled with passing the ball properly before getting into their groove. Tiny margins, the result could've been different if the pitch was in a better state.
Eric Chelle's lacklustre tactics
Playing away from home without your best attacker and losing your trusted right-back can sometimes be tough, but there are other ways to create a balance when looking to win a game.
Chelle's decision to play Calvin Bassey at full-back paid off as the Fulham defender grabbed a goal. On the flip side, the attackers looked out of place in the Frenchman's system, again.
Like it happened against Rwanda, the right side of Nigeria's attack was anchored solely by Osayi-Samuel, until Samuel Chukwueze replaced Moses Simon in the 78th minute.
The Atalanta forward only started to look like himself with ten minutes left on the clock, and it was already too late.
The Super Eagles are six points behind South Africa with two games left to play, and will need a miracle to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
