Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle explains fiery touchline clash with Hugo Broos

Tensions boiled over in Bloemfontein as the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign stuttered again with a 1-1 draw against South Africa on Tuesday night.

The contest at the Free State Stadium was marred late on when Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle clashed with Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos. The incident followed a delay in play as Teboho Mokoena received treatment, sparking angry words between both benches and forcing the referee to intervene. 

Chelle later admitted the pressure of the occasion had contributed to the row, saying: “This is a big game, there is stress, there is tension. Sometimes words are exchanged, it is normal when both sides want to win.”

The Super Eagles' precarious World Cup situation 

On the pitch, South Africa struck first after William Troost-Ekong turned a dangerous cross into his own net under pressure. 

The three-time AFCON champions found a response before halftime when Calvin Bassey powered home a header, but neither side could produce a winner despite an open second half.

Once again, the team showed flashes of resilience but fell short in control and precision. The inability to convert opportunities continues to undermine their campaign. Unless something changes swiftly, Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup may well end before the destination.

October brings the final two rounds: Benin away, Lesotho at home.

Nigeria sit on 11 points, third in Group C, chasing shadows of qualification. South Africa remain top with 17, though their fate could yet hinge on FIFA’s verdict over an ineligible player.