Super Eagles’ World Cup dream on the brink of collapse

NIGERIA are too proud a football nation to raise the white flag on their Fifa World Cup qualification quest, the fact they are now reliant on other results to go their way notwithstanding.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

The Super Eagles’ failure to beat Bafana Bafana in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein has essentially put paid to their hopes of automatically qualifying for the global showpiece to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking after the match, coach Eric Chelle admitted disappointment at their failure to beat Hugo Broos’ men, whom they now trail by six points with two matches to go.

But the former Mali international remains hopeful. After all, they could still sneak into the playoffs by finishing as one of the best four second-placed teams, though that too looks a long stretch.

“We are professionals and these players want to win. This moment is a difficult moment for us. In two months we have the last two games, so there is lots to think about and to analyse this game (against South Africa),’ he said, adding that he has belief in his team’s abilities.