Sport
Super Eagles coach Chelle says 1-1 draw with South Africa is a good result
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has described the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as a positive outcome, even though his team had hoped for more.
The match, played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, saw William Troost-Ekong mistakenly turn the ball into his own net in the 22nd minute to hand Bafana Bafana the lead. However, Calvin Bassey leveled the score before the break, giving Nigeria a lifeline. Both sides created chances in the second half, but neither could find the finishing touch, leaving the game tied after full time.
Speaking after the clash, Chelle admitted his team showed good intent but fell short in key moments. “In the second half we pushed hard and had South Africa under pressure, but we lacked that final bit of quality, maybe the last pass, maybe the finishing touch,” he explained.
He added that while the draw is a decent result away from home, the team is not fully satisfied. “A point in South Africa is valuable, but we wanted to take all three. That’s why there’s some disappointment, but this is football.”
Nigeria currently sits on 11 points with two matches left to play, trailing behind South Africa, who are on 17 points, and Benin Republic with 16.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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