Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle described Nigeria’s 1-1 away draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C tie as a good and valuable result given the circumstances. The match, played at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on September 8, 2025, saw Nigeria bounce back after conceding an own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong to secure a draw with an equalizer from Calvin Bassey.
Chelle acknowledged the challenges of playing against South Africa on their home turf and without key striker Victor Osimhen, sidelined due to injury. He praised the team’s resilience and fighting spirit to earn a point in a game that was intensely physical and tactically demanding.
“Considering the opponents and the pressure we faced, the team managed to show character and get a positive result,” Chelle said. He admitted that the draw leaves South Africa firmly in control of Group C, but stressed that Nigeria still has a chance to qualify with remaining matches.
Nigeria now has 11 points, trailing South Africa by six points, with two crucial qualifiers left against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October. Chelle urged the squad and fans to remain focused, noting that the group contest is not yet over.
The coach also highlighted the importance of tactical adjustments during the game and lauded players like Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon for their performances. Chelle remains optimistic about Nigeria’s ability to secure qualification, emphasizing hard work and team unity moving forward.
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