Nigeria vs South Africa: Were Super Eagles really outplayed in Finidi George's first game?
i

The NFF have taken umbrage at Benin for playing Nigeria's old national anthem in Monday's World Cup qualifier (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

FOOTBALL Nigeria vs South Africa: Were Super Eagles really outplayed in Finidi George's first game?

Nigeria vs South Africa: Were Super Eagles really outplayed in Finidi George's first game?

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 01:52 - 08.06.2024

The numbers behind Super Eagles' painful draw against South Africa in Finidi George's first game as Nigerian coach.

Finidi George's reign as Nigeria's manager got off to a frustrating start as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw at home by South Africa in their World Cup qualifier on Friday night.

While the result represented a disappointing start in their bid to reach the 2026 finals, the performance data suggests the Super Eagles were unfortunate not to take all three points in Uyo.

*PAY ATTENTION*: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria Whatsapp Channel Channel link

After dropping points again in the WCQ, there were suggestions from visibly disappointed Nigerians that Finidi’s Eagles were outplayed and lucky to even get a point.

But what do the numbers from the decisive clash say? Pulse Sports Nigeria takes you through the stats.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ng/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

Super Eagles vs South Africa: Number’s Game

Nigeria dominated virtually every statistical category against the Bafana Bafana in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Super Eagles had 57% possession, attempted 15 shots to South Africa's 8, created two big chances to their opponents' one, and completed over 100 more passes.

Super Eagles boss Finidi George in training before the clash.
Super Eagles boss Finidi George in training before the clash.

Finidi’s Nigeria also held the edge in shots on target (5-4), efforts from inside the box (11-5), passing accuracy (86%-85%), corners (3-3) and even hit the woodwork once.

It was South Africa, however, who took a shock lead in the first half despite being outplayed for large periods.

Super Eagles player rating
Super Eagles have taken just three points out of a possible 9 in the WCQ. Super Eagles player rating || X

Nigeria found a way to draw level after the break through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's sweetly struck effort.

But try as they might, George's side couldn't find a winner their performance, especially the second half, merited against a South African team who picked up three bookings for their niggly defensive display.

NIGERIA V SOUTH AFRICA LIVE! Themba Zwane scores for Bafana Bafana
NIGERIA V SOUTH AFRICA LIVE! Themba Zwane scored the opener for Bafana Bafana NIGERIA V SOUTH AFRICA LIVE! Themba Zwane scores for Bafana Bafana

While Nigerian fans were visibly disappointed at the final whistle, the underlying numbers suggest their frustration should be tempered.

This was a dominant performance which lacked just a cutting edge in the final third in Finidi’s first official outing as coach.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ng/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

If Finidi can maintain these levels and his team can find a clinical streak in front of goal, Nigeria should still fancy their chances of topping their World Cup qualifying group despite sitting fifth after three matches.

Related content

Tags:
Nigeria South Africa