Nigerian Acting High Commissioner accuses SAFA of ‘watered pitch’ after 1-1 draw in World Cup Qualifier

The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, has accused the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Bafana Bafana camp of deliberately watering the pitch.

In the Matchday 8 games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Eagles came from behind to record a 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Concerns had been raised a week prior to the match about the readiness of the pitch, after a FIFA inspection cast doubt on the venue’s suitability.

However, just days before the fixture, FIFA and CAF gave the green light, confirming the stadium was fit to host the game, a decision that did not sit well with many Nigerians.

Speaking to Pulse Sports, Ajayi stressed that the altered pitch conditions may have contributed to the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a victory over Hugo Broos’ side.

“They did their best, it was not their fault. The pitch was watered just 10 minutes before the match,” Ajayi said.

“From the blast of the whistle, the South African intimidated the Eagles with their voices.

“The odds worked against us. The pitch was watered just before the game, and you can see moisture. It’s not Nigeria’s fault and it’s not the coach’s fault.”

Ajayi also addressed rumours that the Super Eagles had been intentionally delayed at the airport ahead of the match.

“They weren’t delayed, you know those E forms you fill at the airport. Those E forms by the time they were coming some of them didn’t fill the form,” he said.

“So when they arrived they started filling those forms, this explains those slight delays. So the delay was due to immigration procedures.”