Nigeria brutally compared to Man Utd after 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dreams left in tatters with dismal South Africa draw

Since their last World Cup appearance at Russia 2018, Nigeria have struggled to recapture their former dominance, and the current campaign suggests that qualifying for even a play-off spot could be out of reach. Tuesday's 1-1 draw saw former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong accidentally deflect the ball into his own net, giving South Africa an early lead. Calvin Bassey of Fulham restored parity with his first international goal, leaving the sides level.

Despite the equaliser, Nigeria now trail South Africa by six points with only two games remaining in the group. The qualification format means the top team advances directly, while the four best second-placed nations enter a play-off for a chance at the intercontinental qualifier. With a maximum of 17 points attainable, Nigeria must rely on other results to have any chance.

The result sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerian fans, many of whom took to social media to vent frustration.

@_ezeokolorie blasted: "48 team World Cup and Nigeria couldn't qualify. Embarassing. I'M DONE." 

@iiamemry humorously compared the team to England’s Premier League flops: "Nigeria out here trynna qualify to the World Cup like Manchester United was tryna qualify for Champions League last season lol."

@EbongDi highlighted the lack of quality on display, questioning if this was truly the best Nigeria could field: "If this is the best 11 players Nigeria can assemble, then we don't deserve to represent Africa at any World Cup."

@Forlartimate admitted the double heartbreak of supporting both clubs and country: "Supporting Man Utd & Nigeria 🇳🇬 has affected my mental health a lot 🥺😩#MUFC."

Whereas @prophetswitch said: "Why is Nigeria playing like amateurs? These are supposed to be professional footballers in top leagues across the world. What kind of embarrassing display is that, for crying out loud?"

The parallels with Manchester United’s season only added insult to injury. The Red Devils have started the 2025-26 campaign poorly, with only one win from three Premier League games and a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town to go with that.

Nigeria’s next matches are crucial. With only two fixtures left, against Lesotho and Benin in October, the Super Eagles must not only win but also hope results elsewhere go in their favour to secure a top-four second-placed spot. Meanwhile, United’s next test comes against local rivals Manchester City this Sunday, offering another litmus test for Amorim’s squad.