Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, has said there was no other reason Nigeria would have settled for a 1-1 draw with South Africa if not for the bad condition of the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
He blamed the pitch for the 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The defeat leaves Nigeria third in the Group C table behind Benin Republic on 14 points and South Africa on 17 points.
The Super Eagles went behind in the 25th minute with William Troost-Ekong netting against his side.
Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey’s header in the 44th minute meant the game finished all square with South Africa the happier side.
Adepoju said on Sporty TV that the bumpy pitch played a major role to frustrate the Nigerian side.
“I am not really happy with the kind of pitch that was used for this big game of this nature. As you can see, the Super Eagles players are really struggling to cope with it because it’s a bumpy pitch.
“The players tried their best to cope with the nature of the pitch, and it’s so unfortunate that Nigeria could only play a 1-1 draw against South Africa,” he said.
Nigeria with their 11 points are 6 points behind South Africa going into the final rounds of matches in October.
Nigeria will face Lesotho and second-placed Benin Republic in the final matches.
Some analysts still believe that the Super Eagles can make it the showpiece if they win their next two matches.
2026 WCQ: ‘I’m not happy’ – Adepoju names cause of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa
