Renowned gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has joined a growing list of critics expressing disappointment over the Super Eagles’ lackluster performance in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Despite Victor Osimhen putting Nigeria ahead in the 75th minute with a well-taken header, the Eagles failed to hold on to their lead, allowing Tawanda Chirewa to snatch a 90th-minute equaliser, dealing a major blow to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Bassey, Fans Vent Frustration
Taking to social media, Bassey did not mince words in his assessment of the team’s complacency, writing:
“I’ve always said this, one of our problems is managing small success. You score just one goal, and suddenly you think you have qualified for the World Cup. The Zimbabweans practically strolled from the midfield into the net unchallenged while we watched. Na wa! Now they’ll start calculating maths.”
His comments echoed the sentiments of many Nigerian football fans who took to social media to vent their frustration.
Football analyst Daniel Regha was blunt in his criticism, blaming both players and coaching staff:
“Super Eagles coach is as much to blame as the players. The team lacks consistency and determination. This performance against Zimbabwe was embarrassing. They need to step it up—this is the World Cup for goodness’ sake!”
Another fan, Kachi Onyedika, singled out goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for criticism, claiming he lacks concentration for a full 90 minutes:
“I’m sorry, but Nwabali is utterly poor. He can’t keep focus for 90 minutes, gets too cocky, and is overconfident for no reason. He has too many flaws in his game, but everyone overlooks them because of AFCON.”
Meanwhile, football influencer @_VALKlNG expressed doubt about Nigeria’s chances, posting:
“Omo, shey Nigeria still fit qualify like this?”
Team’s Tactical Issues Highlighted
British-Nigerian doctor and football enthusiast @OurFavOnlineDoc took a more measured approach, stating:
“To be honest, that was a poor game. We should have won. We could have won. We didn’t look convincing at all. I genuinely hope we qualify for the World Cup, but we absolutely need to do a whole lot better. I still support Team Super Eagles.”
Others, like Solace Chukwu, questioned the tactical decisions made during the match, particularly the substitution of Victor Boniface, while also criticising William Troost-Ekong:
“Thought the Boniface sub was a blunder on (Eric) Chelle’s part in the moment. That said, Ekong really should have dealt with that (the Zimbabwe run to goal). He’s a great leader, but at this point, he needs to be phased out of the starting XI. AFCON 2023, looking back, was his one final heave.”
Football enthusiast @Choji_ES pointed out the Eagles’ over-reliance on Victor Osimhen, stating:
“Zimbabwe had one job—frustrate us and steal points. They did it effortlessly. The moment Osimhen left, the team collapsed. Over-reliance on one player is a disaster waiting to happen. At this rate, let’s just forget the World Cup and focus on AFCON while hoping for a miracle.”
Qualification Hopes Hanging in the Balance
With this draw, Nigeria now sits fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing group leaders South Africa, who have 13 points. The result places the Super Eagles in a precarious position with four matches left in the qualifiers.
Nigeria must now look to bounce back when they host Rwanda in August, as they fight to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
