Why the Super Eagles of Nigeria are trending

The Nigerian national team dominated conversations on social media after South Africa’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026.

The host nation largely controlled the game, with South Africa showing little attacking threat due to their defensive approach, ultimately ending up on the losing side.

Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the two goals for Mexico to secure three points in Group A, in a match that produced three red cards.

Bafana Bafana’s performance was widely criticised as appalling, with the team playing defensively and offering nothing exciting in attack, allowing Mexico to dominate.

This triggered reactions on social media, with some fans questioning why the Super Eagles, who boast world-class players, failed to qualify ahead of South Africa, who offered little in the game.

Many fans argued that Nigeria would have played better football and given a more competitive performance to challenge Mexico for the win.

The conversation quickly turned into banter among rival fans. Some opposed the criticisms, insisting that South Africa’s poor showing was due to coach Hugo Broos’ tactical decisions rather than the team’s usual performance.

Others condemned the comparisons, pointing out that Nigeria had opportunity to secure qualification but failed to take advantage of them, and therefore should not be brought into World Cup discussions since South Africa rightfully qualified.

Read the reactions below:

With all due respect, Nigeria should have been in this tournament.

South Africa are TRASH.

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 11, 2026

Then why on earth did they qualify just to be disgraced at the opening match

— The Ballrepost | B (@ballrepost) June 11, 2026

South Africa receives 2 red cards in their opening game and lost 2 nill while Nigeria laughs 😃

— Nwoke Abia (@Christianuzo58) June 11, 2026

Well Nigeria are the cause of their own downfall. If they deserved it they would’ve been in the competition. So it’s rather too late to start saying Nigeria should have been. It’s my country, we need to put our house in order until then let’s watch those who’re in it

— Peter O Enoigboria (@EnoigbPeter) June 11, 2026

How did Nigeria not beat out this team 😭😭😭

— Banter FC (@FCBanter_) June 11, 2026

South Africa will regret why they qualified for this world cup.😂🤣🤣😂

— Isoyip (@d_isoyip) June 11, 2026

Why is it crazy? What should have happened? Nigerians were bad in the qualifiers failing to beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe. They even got a second chance against DRC and still failed. So what are you saying entlek?

— Black Diamond (@Diamond_Blackie) June 11, 2026

I’m a big fan of yours, but being South African you are wrong , give credit to Mexico , this is very disrespectful, we are in the World Cup because we earned it , Nigeria with oshimen, lookman etc didn’t make it trough and that’s on them. Expect better from you Hagn

— Shirdi R N (@SNundkumar) June 11, 2026

How the hell did South Africa qualify for the World Cup over Nigeria? They’re so bad man

— Conn (@ConnCFC) June 11, 2026

Very terrible team.

So annoying to watch them

They are out of the tournament already

— Austin (@TitusAugustin15) June 11, 2026

Fun fact : South Africa was in the same qualifying group as Nigeria, they got 3 points deducted from them for breaking certain rules, and still Qualified, thats how good they were

— Mzala (@Terror_Lihle) June 11, 2026