Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has admitted that a tactical mistake cost his side in their 1-1 draw with South Africa during Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
The hosts went ahead in the 22nd minute after William Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net. But Nigeria drew level before halftime through Fulham defender Calvin Bassey.
Speaking after the game, Chelle explained that his decision to leave his team exposed at the back in search of an early win gave South Africa the opening they needed.
“For me it was a great game, with a lot of intensity and aggressiveness,” Chelle said.
“Because of the pitch, both teams tried to play well. Congratulations to South Africa—they played a great game. Nigeria too.
We wanted to take a risk in the first half by staying one-on-one at the back because we wanted the win. Unfortunately, in the 22nd minute we conceded. But after that, the players showed great mentality to fight back.”
The result leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, trailing South Africa and Benin Republic as the qualification race continues.
