Ndidi and Simon Slip in Tunnel as Nigeria Draw with South Africa in World Cup Qualifier
- Bafana Bafana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein to stay six points clear at the top of Group C in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon provided comic relief before kick-off as both Super Eagles stars slipped in the tunnel, leaving fans in stitches
- Mohau Nkota impressed again for South Africa, forcing the own goal that gave Bafana the lead before Calvin Bassey’s equaliser for Nigeria
South Africa moved closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria on matchday 8 of the qualifying series at the Free State Stadium.
Bafana Bafana only needed to avoid defeat, as they currently sit at the top of Group C, six points clear of the Super Eagles.
Source: Getty Images
Before the big game kicked off, the most hilarious pre-match moment left fans in stitches. Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon both tumbled in the tunnel as the players prepared to walk onto the pitch.
Ndidi slipped first and took Simon down with him, while Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi narrowly avoided joining them. Though he initially looked concerned, Iwobi cracked a smile as the pair quickly picked themselves up, dusted off, and exchanged a chuckle.
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How Nigerians reacted online
@WizAnubis:
"Nigerian things dey always dey different."
@TylerDylan:
"They were trying to set them up for injuries for the match. That’s probably one of the reasons why Nigeria couldn’t win."
@naija4lifen:
"That stadium looks like a farmhouse."
As seen in the clip below:
@Kingdomvestor:
"I hope that’s not a sign of defeat 😭😭😭."
@Billy_PMS:
"Look at the ubuntu and humility of South African players, always willing to help. Humanity is always the winner 🤝."
@simdixm:
"Ndidi and Moses Simon fell before kickoff… Super Eagles already falling before the match even started 😭😭💔."
Source: Getty Images
Match Recap
South Africa made the brighter start and almost struck early when Mohau Nkota met Oswin Appollis’ cross, but his header sailed narrowly over the bar.
Nigeria frustrated Bafana’s passing rhythm, yet the hosts still forced a golden chance, with Stanley Nwabali standing tall to block Appollis’ close-range drive.
Bafana Bafana found the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Nkota’s cross forced an own goal from William Troost-Ekong. Nigeria fought back and levelled before the break. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey nodded home from an Osayi-Samuel delivery, despite the ball brushing his arm before crossing the line.
The Super Eagles carried their momentum into the second half, pressing for a winner. South Africa suffered a setback on the hour mark when Khuliso Mudau limped off and was replaced by Thapelo Monyane.
Despite Nigeria’s pressure, Bafana Bafana’s defence held firm, ensuring the points were shared, a result that strengthens South Africa’s grip on top spot in Group C. The 196-year-old Aldabra tortoise’s prediction that the Super Eagles would score two goals failed to materialise.
Mosimane distances himself from controversial new book
Briefly News previously reported that former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is not happy after a book about him was published without his consent or consultation.
Mosimane, who recently lost a R7.9 million legal battle with Sundowns, remains the most successful coach in the club's history, with 11 trophies to his name, including the only CAF Champions League title the club won in 2016.
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Source: Briefly News
