Nigeria vs South Africa: Finidi George Laments VAR Absence As Super Eagles Draw Against Bafana

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a draw by South Africa's Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium
• The thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match was marred by some questionable refereeing decisions
• Coach of the Nigerian national team, Finidi George, has rued the absence of the Video Assistant referee in the fixture

Finidi George is definitely far from impressed with how things played out with the officiating of his debut fixture as coach of the Super Eagles.

The 53-year-old, who witnessed his Super Eagles side held to a draw by South Africa's Bafana Bafana, had a few opinions on the general officiating of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

The Nigerian team had a case of a penalty when South African defender, Mothobi Mvala, fouled Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the penalty area, which the centre referee ignored.

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Additionally, in the 75th minute, many believed Samuel Chukwueze's strike had crossed the line after hitting the crossbar, but the referee, Alhadi Allaou Mahamat, did not award the goal, a decision that was vindicated by television replays showing the ball had not completely crossed the line.

Despite this, Finidi was adamant that having the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) would have ensured Nigeria's victory in the match.

Finidi speaks on VAR after Super Eagles draw

When asked about the penalty decision and the potential introduction of VAR in African FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Finidi, as reported by AllNigeriaSoccer, stated:

"We all witnessed the AFCON, where VAR was utilised effectively. Even the Europeans commended the AFCON for its correct decisions.

I dont understand why, in crucial qualifiers like these, we couldn't have a proper review to determine if a goal was scored or not.”

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Speaking further on the strike from Chukweze, which hit the crossbar, the 53-year-old continued:

"Regarding the Chukwueze incident, from my vantage point, I couldn't tell if it crossed the line. However, if VAR was available, it would have provided a clearer picture. I'm just the coach; I can't alter FIFA and CAF's regulations."

Nigeria are with a shot at redemption with a clash against the cheetahs of Benin Republic on the horizon.

Broos aims subtle jibe at Super Eagles

Sports Brief in another report stated coach of the South African team, Hugo Broos, aimed a dig at Nigeria following his side’s draw in the FIFA qualifier.

The septuagenarian emphasised the fact that the Super Eagles were still without a win despite playing two of their opening fixtures at home.