South Africa coach Hugo Broos voiced his frustration after Calvin Bassey’s controversial equaliser helped Nigeria earn a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein, leaving the Super Eagles under pressure in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Hugo Broos did not mince words after South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in a tense World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The Bafana Bafana coach expressed anger over Calvin Bassey’s equaliser, which replays suggested may have involved a handball.
South Africa struck first when William Troost-Ekong’s own goal handed the home side the lead. But in the 44th minute, Bassey rose highest to nod in Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross. The Fulham defender celebrated, yet the replay angle appeared to show the ball brushing his arm before finding the net.
Broos’ Reaction
“It was a game like I expected. On my side, the team who wants to play football, on the other side, a team who tried to win the game by power,” Broos told reporters post-match.
“We did very well in the first half but Nigeria tried physical to come back and they did. If we defended with more aggressiveness the goal will never arrive and secondly it was handball.”
The Bigger Picture
The result leaves South Africa top of Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria sit second on 11 points, tied with Benin. With only two qualifiers remaining in October, the Super Eagles face must-win clashes against Lesotho and Benin if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
For South Africa, the draw still strengthens their position as favourites to book a spot at the 2026 tournament, but Broos will demand sharper defending in the decisive fixtures to come.
What’s Next for Bafana?
Bafana Bafana’s final two qualifiers arrive in October: against Zimbabwe on the 6th and Rwanda on the 13th. Victories in those matches would secure their long-awaited World Cup return.
