'Sometimes you have to fight' – Chelle explains touchline spat with Broos and Aina substitution

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign suffered a major blow on Tuesday evening as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The result leaves Nigeria unable to close the gap on the group leaders, further complicating their path to the tournament in United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana took the lead when William Troost-Ekong, under pressure, inadvertently diverted a cross from the left into his own net, but Nigeria drew level before the break through Calvin Bassey's flying header.

The Super Eagles were forced into an early change when Ola Aina picked up an injury, with Bright Osayi-Samuel introduced in his place.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, manager Eric Chelle admitted the substitution disrupted his tactical plans but praised the Birmingham City defender's contribution.

When asked to provide an update on Ola Aina's injury and the fullback's current condition, Chelle told reporters: "For sure it was difficult because we used a substitute.

"For the game plan we needed to think about another thing. Bright coming onto the pitch gave everything. This team gave everything, tried to win."

Tensions later boiled over in the final twenty minutes of the contest when Chelle and South Africa coach Hugo Broos clashed on the touchline following a delay in play.

The Nigerian bench expressed frustration at Teboho Mokoena's treatment, prompting an angry response from the Bafana Bafana coach.

The incident forced the referee to intervene to calm both technical areas.

Reflecting on the confrontation, Chelle insisted such moments are not unusual in fiercely contested matches.

"Once again this is a big game. There is stress, there is tension. You can say something badly and sometimes you have to fight, not a real fight, but you need to manage it.

"Sometimes it is difficult because of the pressure. This is normal when both benches want to win. You know every decision of the referee, one of the benches is not agreeing with it. This is football."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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