Handball or not? Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos reacts to Calvin Bassey’s equaliser for Nigeria in FIFA World Cup qualifier clash

Calvin Bassey pulled Nigeria level in the 44th minute after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had gifted Bafana Bafana the lead. The Fulham defender rose highest to head in Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross, though replays suggested the ball may have brushed his arm on its way into the net. 

After the match, Bafana head coach Hugo Broos didn’t hold back, sharing his candid thoughts on the equaliser.

"It was a game like I expected. On my side, the team who wants to play football, on the other side, a team who tried to win the game by power," Broos told the media. 

"We did very well in the first half but Nigeria tried physical to come back and they did.

"If we defended with more aggressiveness the goal will never arrive and secondly it was handball,” he concluded. 

Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is looking increasingly uncertain. The Super Eagles are on 11 points, trailing Group C leaders South Africa who have 17.

With just two qualifiers left in October, Nigeria must win both against Lesotho and Benin.

South Africa may hold the advantage, but they still face crucial fixtures, Zimbabwe on 6 October and Rwanda a week later, as they push to seal qualification. 

Broos will be determined to see his side book their FIFA World Cup ticket in convincing fashion.