Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has joined a growing wave of criticism against the Super Eagles following their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
The match, which was seen as a must-win for Nigeria, saw Victor Osimhen give the hosts a lead in the 75th minute with a powerful header. However, Tawanda Chirewa dashed Nigeria’s hopes with a 90th-minute equaliser, leaving the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification campaign hanging by a thread.
Bassey Criticizes Team’s Complacency
Taking to social media, Bassey criticized the team’s inability to maintain focus after scoring.
“I’ve always said this, one of our problems is managing small success. You score just one goal, all of a sudden you think you have qualified for the World Cup,” Bassey wrote.
“The Zimbabweans practically strolled from the midfield into the net unchallenged while we watched. Na wa. Now they’ll start calculating maths.”
Fans Express Outrage on Social Media
The frustration was echoed by Super Eagles fans, who took to social media to vent their anger.
User Kachi Onyedika was particularly critical of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, saying:
“I’m sorry but Nwabali [is] utter dog sh*te. He can’t keep his focus for 90 minutes, gets too cocky and overconfident for no reason!”
Others blamed the coaching staff for the team’s inconsistent form. Social commentator Daniel Regha remarked:
“Super Eagles coach is to blame as much as the players. The team lacks consistency and determination. This performance against Zimbabwe was embarrassing.”
Another user, @_VALKlNG, questioned the team’s chances of qualifying, asking:
“Omo, shey Nigeria still fit qualify like this?”
Calls for Tactical Overhaul
Football analyst Solace Chukwu criticized the substitution of striker Victor Boniface, while also calling for William Troost-Ekong to be phased out of the starting lineup.
“Ekong really should have dealt with that (Zimbabwe’s goal). He’s a great leader, but at this point, he needs to be phased out. AFCON 2023 was, looking back, his one final heave,” Chukwu wrote.
@Choji_ES highlighted the team’s over-reliance on Victor Osimhen, warning that it could spell disaster for future games:
“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.”
Super Eagles’ Qualification Hangs in the Balance
The draw leaves Nigeria sitting fourth in Group C with seven points, while South Africa leads the group with 13 points. With four matches remaining, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The team will aim to revive their campaign in their next qualifier against Rwanda in August, with fans hoping for a miraculous turnaround.
ENDS