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The Super Eagles of Nigeria avoided a defeat against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria were outplayed in the first half of the game and looked fragile, which led to conceding the first goal of the game.
South Africa took the lead early on in the 29th minute of the game in the first half from T Zwane, before an early equaliser from Dele Bashiru in the 46th minute put the Super Eagles back in the game.
The Super Eagles created a lot of chances in the second half compared to the first half but failed to convert them.
We look at the performance of the team and rate each player according to how well they impressed.
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22:15 - 07.06.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Super Eagles robbed by refereeing error as Bafana Bafana get valuable draw
The Super Eagles were held at home by a dogged South Africa side and remain winless in World Cup qualifying
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21:50 - 07.06.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Fans hail Fisayo Dele Bashiru for his Super Eagles debut goal
Dele-Bashiru broke his scoring duck for the Super Eagles, bringing Nigeria level after halftime in the 46th minute.
Player Rating
Stanley Nwabili - 7
Stanley Nwabili was superb when called upon to make saves on several occasions in the second half.
The goalkeeper was composed and confident on the ball and coordinated the Super Eagles' defence despite conceding in the first half.
Benjamin Tanimu - 6
Benjamin Tanimu did an excellent job at left-back against South Africa, despite not being placed in his best position.
The defender covered for his defence in the second half despite conceding a goal in the first half.
Bright Osayi-Samuel - 7
Bright Osayi-Samuel produced a solid performance as a right back, ensuring that South African wingers were stopped.
He did not have a good performance in the first half but came into the second half looking bright.
Semi Ajayi - 6
Semi Ajayi was not at his best in the game and was nervous at the back. His failure to cover up led to South Africa scoring.
The defender later showed why he was chosen in defence with a solid performance in the second half.
Cavin Bassey - 6
Calvin Bassey partnered with Semi Ajayi in the Super Eagles' defence but looked shaky in the first half of the game.
The physical defender had a good game in the second half and made sure that anything that came his way did not get past him.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 5
Kelechi Iheanacho was paired in the midfield alongside Iwobi, Ndidi, and Bashiru but was not at his best in the first half.
He failed to help the Super Eagles attack in the first half before he was substituted in the second half.
The midfielder was a rock for the Super Eagles, sheltering their four-man defence and ensuring victory.
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Alex Iwobi - 7
Alex Iwobi came into the second half looking like a different player after his poor first-half performance.
The Fulham star was at the heart of everything the Super Eagles created and was in control of the midfield.
The midfielder's perfectly timed pass teed up Dele-Bashiru, who beat his marker and struck the ball ferociously into the net.
Wilfred Ndidi - 6
Wilfred Ndidi had a decent game against South Africa, and his connections with Bashiru, Iwobi, and Iheanacho was solid.
Despite having a poor first-half performance, the midfielder improved in the second half and helped defensively.
Oluwafisayo Dele-Bashiru - 8
Dele Bashiru had an excellent second half against South Africa, having seen less of the ball in the first half.
The midfielder did a perfect job equalising for the Super Eagles following an impressive string of passes.
The midfielder gave Nigeria solidity in midfield and was composed on the ball all through the second half.
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Ademola Lookman - 7
Ademola Lookman is well-known for his teamwork, and he performed admirably in the attack against South Africa.
The forward was at his best and was the only threat in attack for the Super Eagles in the first half. He was also involved in the build-up to the Super Eagles equaliser in the second half.
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Paul Onuachu - 7
Paul Onuachu’s first-half performance was poor and hardly threatened the defence of the South Africans.
However, in the second half, he came out looking sharp and was part of the buildup leading to the Super Eagles' equaliser.
Substitutions
Alhassan Yusuf - 6
Alhassan Yusuf came on as a substitute in the second half to replace the Super Eagles goal scorer, Dele Bashiru.
The midfielder came in to stabilise the Super Eagles' midfield, and he did an excellent job working the ball to the forwards.
Samuel Chukwueze - 7
Samuel Chukwueze’s introduction in the second half sparked life into the Super Eagles' attack with his dangerous runs.
The winger came in to replace Kelechi Iheanacho, who struggled to impress in the first half of the game.
The AC Milan star was a terror in the defence of the South Africans and almost put the Super Eagles in the lead.
Raphael Onyedika - 5
Raphael Onyedika came on as a substitute in the second half and did enough to contribute to the Super Eagles' attack.
Terem Moffi - 5
Terem Moffi came in to replace Onuachu and got a chance to snatch a win for the Super Eagles, but wasted the opportunity.
Olorunleke Ojo
Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye
Ismaila Sodiq
Chidozie Awaziem
Ibrahim Olawoyin
Frank Onyeka
Victor Okoh Boniface
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