World Cup (Q): Nigeria coach Eric Chelle downplays touchline tussle

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has shared his part on his touchline tussle with his South African counterpart Hugo Broos during Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying clash.

The Super Eagles coach clashed with Broos at a point during both sides’ in a highly-anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday evening was a tense affair both on and off the pitch.

Speaking on the development to the press after the game, the Franco-Malian tactician insisted that what happened was part of the game.

“There is tension. You can say something badly and sometimes you’ve to fight, not a real fight, but you need to manage it.”

“Sometimes it is difficult because of the pressure. This’s normal when both benches want to win. You know every decision of the referee, one of the benches isn’t agreeing with it. This is football.”

The match officials, however, had to step in to diffuse the tension as Chelle and Broos were seen exchanging words.

The draw leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while South Africa moves a step closer to sealing their spot in the finals.

Group C Table (8 of 10 matches played)

1. South Africa- 17 points
2. Benin- 14 points
3. Nigeria- 11 points
4. Rwanda- 11 points
5. Lesotho- 6 points
6. Zimbabwe- 4 points
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