'A goal is a goal' – Ex-Chippa United GK gives his two cents on Bassey's controversial strike vs RSA

Former Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has weighed in on Calvin Bassey's disputed equaliser in Nigeria's 1-1 draw with South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.

With the Super Eagles trailing through William Troost-Ekong's own goal and halftime approaching, Bassey surged forward from the halfway line and met a cross with a powerful header to beat Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams.

The goal, which came in the 44th minute, went unchallenged at the time by South Africa players but later drew debate after replays suggested the ball may have brushed Bassey's hand before crossing the line.

Speaking on SuperSport after the game, Akpeyi refused to criticise Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, stressing that VAR is not in use during the World Cup qualifiers.

"A goal is a goal. The ball touches his hand last second before it went into the net," the former Nigeri international explained.

"Unfortunately, there is no VAR for the referee to cancel that goal. If you benefit from it, you just take it."

The strike was Bassey's first goal for the Super Eagles in his 33rd appearance.

Until Tuesday, the Fulham defender's only goal involvements had been assists against Mexico in a friendly and Cameroon at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, now six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa, face a crucial run-in as they prepare to meet Lesotho and Benin in October, fixtures that will likely decide their hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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