Former Nigeria star slams Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Stanley Nwabali & co after draw with Bafana Bafana in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier - 'We have average players in the Super Eagles...Nobody can make anything happen'

Nigeria were held 1-1 by Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium on Tuesday.

The result was a reflection of how the star-studded Super Eagles have been struggling in their bid to return to the World Cup after missing out on the last edition in Qatar.

Former Nigeria midfielder Etim Esin has lashed out at coach Eric Chelle's players for what he views as a "terrible" situation.

"We have average players in the Super Eagles," Esin said as per Soccer Laduma.

"The team lacks creativity. We have players who cannot confidently take on another player and beat them one-on-one. Nobody can make anything happen.

"It is a sad day for Nigerian football, it is unimaginable that we will miss another World Cup, it’s terrible."

Despite having a squad made up of established stars who ply their trade in big European leagues, the Super Eagles have been unconvincing in these World Cup qualifiers and have been struggling to get to the  top of the table.

Having managed just two wins, five draws and a defeat, Nigeria find themselves third on Group C with six points fewer than leaders Bafana.

There are two matches to go in this qualification campaign which translates to six points to play for.

Up next for the Super Eagles in October is a clash with Lesotho, a match which is likely to be staged in South Africa.

They will then wrap up the World Cup qualification bid against Benin at home.