The Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein has sparked an outpouring of frustration from Nigerian fans, who believe the result has almost ended hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria needed victory to revive their campaign but only managed a point after captain William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal before Calvin Bassey’s equaliser. Head coach Eric Chelle admitted the outcome was not enough, saying, “To draw with South Africa in South Africa is a good result, but we wanted to win, so we’re a bit disappointed tonight.”
Despite the coach’s optimism that his players would stay motivated for the remaining matches, reactions across social media showed that Nigerians were far from encouraged.
@JahSeunfunmi wrote: “The team gave their all, you guys tried, you played well! If we played this better since the beginning of the qualifying series we won’t be here!”
But others were more brutal. @pelumi_kome fumed: “If I catch this coach one on one like this.” Another user, @jafarusman52926, simply said, “You people have been disappointing us since.”
For @Doctor_Chichi, the emotional toll was personal. “If you know how many hearts una break so you no go open your mouth de talk this. Me wey don prepare my jersey to watch my Eagles here in Canada… see eeh, no let me change am for you o,” she lamented.
Some questioned team selection and commitment. @mbakare28 wrote: “Your selection was poor.” @c_aziboledia blamed the players, saying, “It’s not ur fault. You have unserious players who don’t want to win. They want a stage to show their ugly haircuts not the football game they are meant to perform.”
For @mascot5604, the disappointment reached boiling point. “You’re a great disappointment. It’s better to disband the Super Eagles. Nonsense,” he blasted.
Others called for accountability. @AinaIyanuoluwa1 posted: “He should go and sit down…” while @LordMikolee added, “Just move on broski, the team cannot go far in Afcon with this kind of performance.”
Comparisons with other African teams also came up. @Kingsley902 pointed to Senegal’s comeback win against DR Congo: “If it was Super Eagles they can never come back from such score.”
Some fans urged the coach to wake up. @BIGMERCY1998 said: “We forgive the coach, but Nigeria no dey play for pity — we dey play for glory. Wake up Coach!!”
Others, however, focused on style of play. @NaijaBbw_Ai argued: “Your teams lack mental control. Our game is to cool the ball and make SA sweat… but you were playing kick and follow with them and expect to win. Make una forget the WC26 and go home.”
Despite the backlash, Chelle maintained hope. “My players are professionals, and I know they will still want to win the remaining two games. A lot can happen over the next one month,” he insisted.
Yet, the mood among Nigerians suggests belief is fading fast. One fan, @official_veenom, summed it up harshly: “You guys played trash, stop that rubbish of trying to do damage control, the Super Falcons would have beaten the Bafana Bafanas… shame on you all abeg.”
