"Buy Calculators”: SA Sports Minister Sends Message to Nigerians As Super Eagles WC Hopes Fade
- South Africa's sports minister aimed a pointed dig at Nigerians after the 2026 World Cup qualifier match
- Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw, a result which has different effects on both countries
- South Africa are closer to qualifying for the tournament, while Nigeria need a mathematical miracle
South Africa's sports minister has aimed a dig at Nigeria and other countries in Group C after the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match day eight fixtures.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa played a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
Source: Getty Images
The result boosted South Africa’s chances of qualifying, while it dealt a blow to Nigeria, who now need a mathematical miracle to qualify.
As noted by CAF Online, South Africa sit top of Group C with 17 points, Benin Republic sit in second place with 14 points after beating Lesotho 4-0, while Nigeria have 11 points.
All three teams still have a chance to top the group with two matches left during the October international break, though Nigeria is unlikely to make it.
South African minister trolls Nigeria
South Africa's minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, has aimed a subtle dig at other Group C teams, especially Nigeria, as Bafana Bafana edge closer to qualifying for the World Cup.
Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the tournament faded, though it remains mathematically possible for the Super Eagles to make it.
McKenzie, in a post on his X page, urged South Africans to purchase their tickets for the final two matches early, while he told other countries in the group to buy calculators.
“Please get your tickets early for the next @BafanaBafana game, let’s buy tickets whilst other nations buy calculators,” he wrote.
South Africans enjoyed the banter from their minister and asked that the match be brought to a better stadium after complaints about the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
@C_that wrote:
“We're back to buying calculators the moment FIFA docks us 3 points. It is not over yet.”
@mzamodudula wrote:
“We’ve survived the mampara period 😅🔥… now it’s pure good times to be South African. I still remember when the whole team and staff celebrated only for the numbers to disagree, never again, calculators must stay retired! 🇿🇦🤌.”
Source: Getty Images
@moflavadj wrote:
“Where are the next games taking place? How about NMB?”
@jamesHlupo wrote:
“I also think we should buy tickets for the Lesotho vs Nigeria game if it will be played in SA to fill up both venues.”
As noted by the NFF, the Super Eagles’ path to the World Cup is not totally blocked, but it will need South Africa and Benin Republic to win their final two matches.
Gernot Rohr puts pressure on FIFA
Legit.ng reported that Gernot Rohr put pressure on FIFA after his Benin Republic side made a statement with a resounding 4-0 victory over Lesotho.
The former Super Eagles boss claimed that his team are levelled on points with South Africa if FIFA decides to dock Bafana Bafana three points.
Source: Legit.ng
