By Ikenwa Nnabuogor
Nothing is impossible in football as a second can turn things around. Such should be the confidence Super Eagles carry on their shoulders in Bloemfontein Tuesday for the deciding cracker against South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
South Africa have proved a tough rainbow they are topping the group with 16 points though with a possible FIFA hammer dangling on their necks.
Eagles managed a slim but hard 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo to leap frog to third place with meagre 10 points. With gapping six points behind league leaders, South Africa, Eagles must win on Tuesday to brighten their chances of picking the elusive ticket.
For the first time ever the oil-rich Sheikhs hosted the Mundial in 2022, Eagles didn’t find their wings. Losing out on FIFA’s first ever tri-nations’ arrangement will definitely condemn the embattled Eagles to Africa upstarts.
South Africa are delightfully in charge in the group, showing class and making a thorough mincemeat of Lesotho to drag the gap wider. Formidable side they’re with the veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos in charge and looking good to peg back their bitter rivals, Eagles.
Exchanges between the rival countries have always remained heated and intriguing but this time in Bloemfontein, it will be fiercer.
Bookmakers will be highly divided in this Tuesday thriller but are the Eagles good enough for maximum points? It appears the bookmarkers with share 50/50 their predictions of the game.
Eagles’ recent performances are far from convincing judging by their enviable track record. The 2026 World Cup qualifier run has sadly left many faithful with a sad face, making the whole Bloemfontein story look like a bridge too far.
Agreed football is crazy and unpredictable but realities are that most times better teams win. Eagles, on paper and on current form, do not look a better team.
Seeing the end of the rainbow as circling and illusional as it is, Eagles are surely in for a tough one in the Rainbow Nation.
This Bloemfontein battle may well be at the foot of their rainbow but the unpredictability of the beautiful game can as well change things.
Naturally, Eagles seem to play better against tough, competitive opponents and will surely and squarely face one on Tuesday.
Both rivals are favourites to bag this but Eagles need the three points more.
Victor Osimhen is ruled out for the all important clash which should be good news to the Bafana Bafana. The Galatasaray star hopped off with an injured ankle as Rwanda perfected a part of the tactical plans.
Tolu Arokodare, in his place, saved Nigeria’s blushes with the lone goal that proved to be enough. The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new signing will be expected to save his country once again.
Coach Eric Chelle was daring and brave at the same time with his bullish tactical changes. Captain William Troost-Ekong was rested ahead of young Dender of Belgium defender, Benjamin Frederick, thrown in, and the youngster refused to disappoint.
Fredericks looks good to return in Bloemfontein as it’s expected Chelle will continue his tactical renaissance.
Whatever the approach Chelle employs or he’s forced or compelled to in Bloemfontein, nothing short of victory will be good enough.
In the fans’ books, reality should be the catch word in this tough encounter and a win should be the reality itself.
Eagles must see the end of the rainbow and shun illusion and circles associated with it.
