By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has, for the Second consecutive World Cup Tournament, failed to make it to the Mundial, thus, dashing the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians who had thought the Nigerian Flag will be hoisted at 2026 FIFA World Cup to hosted by the trio nation of United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
The Coach Eric Chelle-team failed to defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Bloemfontein Stadium, despite knowing that their World Cup Qualification hopes is to be determined by the outcome of the match.
Sadly, the Super Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving their Fans and the nation’s football enclave disappointed.
Many had thought that a victory against the South Africans will brighten the hope of the most populous Black Nation in the World, at least, the Team would claim a playoff spot.
The Super Eagles started the game without any direction as their host dominated the match resulting to an own goal from Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong.
Immediately the South Africans got the lead, the Nigerian Team kept attacking the South African and this paid off as Calvin Bassey scored the equalizer deep into added time of the first half.
As the Gabonese Referee commenced the Second Half, the Super Eagles dominated the match but this never metamorphosed Into anything positive, as the Coach Hugo Broos South African team defended the draw, till the end of the match.
With the draw, South Africa top the log with 17 Points, while Nigeria and Rwanda have 11 Points apiece, while a victory for the Squirrels of Benin Republic against the Leopards of Lesotho will move the Coach Gernot Rohr side to 14 Points with Two games left.
The highest point Nigeria can amass after this disappointing showing is 17 Points if the Super Eagles win its last Two Matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
This point however can take the Super Eagles to the Playoffs scheduled for November 2025.
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