Lagos, Sept. 9 (NAN) – Football fans have expressed mixed feelings over the Super Eagles’ chances ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, scheduled for Tuesday in Bloemfontein.
Sports broadcaster Gift Anderson urged the Super Eagles to secure victory in the tie and in subsequent fixtures to revive their qualification hopes. He admitted the task would be difficult, especially with star striker Victor Osimhen absent.
“The game is a must-win encounter, which puts added pressure on both coach and players after earlier dropped points in the campaign,” Anderson said. He advised the team to remain tactically disciplined, convert chances, and defend resolutely.
However, some fans are less optimistic. Sefiu Adedayo argued that Nigeria no longer inspires confidence despite having top players across Europe.
“At their level, they struggle with teams they should beat comfortably. This is down to poor planning and weak leadership from the Nigeria Football Federation,” he said.
Sports reporter Akeem Busari warned that Nigeria’s qualification hopes “hang by a thread,” requiring what he called “Abrahamic faith” to believe in a 2026 World Cup ticket. He criticised FIFA’s scheduling, which has allowed South Africa to benefit from unusual home advantage, as Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Benin have all played “home” fixtures in South Africa due to poor pitches.
“Silence is consent, and the NFF is complicit in the mess our qualification campaign has become,” Busari said, noting that South Africa’s CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, may have influenced decisions.
The Super Eagles, who have dropped vital points earlier in the campaign, must avoid further slip-ups if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
