‘Thank God no VAR’ – Nigerians rejoice, South Africans fault Bassey’s controversial goal
yarkarkara
The Super Eagles’ controversial goal to make it 1-1 against South Africa just before halftime in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday has generated controversy on social media.
The goal was credited to defender Calvin Bassey, who appeared to have the ball glance off his hand after hitting his head before driving it into the far post of the net.
The goal has sparked conversations on social media, with Nigerians rejoicing that there was no VAR in the match, while South Africans bemoan the absence of video assistant referee.
See reactions below:
We are lucky there’s no VAR The ball touched Bassey's hand but NO VAR so I'll take it. That goal nah handball oo. Thank God there's no VAR So no VAR, the brother used Maradona style to equalizer…!!!! These frauds are at it again There’s no VAR here??? That’s a hand ball ah
, that’s a clear Hand ball— Adika (@Adikastakes) September 9, 2025
VAR has also deprived us of at least 3 clear goals in this qualifiers!
Everyone will be alright.— Dr.George (TheTalkDoctor
) (@TheTalkDoctor_) September 9, 2025— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) September 9, 2025
#WCQUALIFIERS pic.twitter.com/6MsgMWpZmL— 
Maqhobozakwasani
(@NjabuloQhobs) September 9, 2025— Lorch’s wife
(@DineoManamela1) September 9, 2025
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