Themba Zwane scored a brilliant goal to break the deadlock for Bafana Bafana before Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru equalized for Finidi George’s men at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.
Hugo Broos’s men were the dominant team in the first half, but a spirited Finidi George team couldn’t find a way past Ronwen Hayden Williams for the second time.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they played a 1-1 draw against South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
1. Christian Nwabali 7/10: The Chippa United goalkeeper put up another solid performance in a Super Eagles jersey. He denied the South Africans three clear-cut chances while acting as a sweeper several times. There was nothing he could have done about Themba Zwane’s brilliant goal.
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel 6.4/10: The Fernabache full-back had a decent game, considering he played as a left-back, a position he’s unfamiliar with. He didn’t aid Lookman too many times on the left, but he looked threatening whenever he drove forward.
3. Benjamin Tanimu 6/10: The Ihefu Sports Club central defender was deployed as a right-back by Finidi George, and he didn’t have the best of games. He was unable to help the winger up-front and lacked the positional awareness to track back.
4. Semi Ajayi 6.9 /10: The West Bromwich Albion defender put in a decent shift, completing 95% of his passes. He got down into his duels and won the majority of them. The only dent in his performance was Themba Zwane sweeping past him to score his opener. He was subbed off with ten minutes to spare, with Raphael Onyedika coming on in his place.
5. Calvin Bassey 6.5 /10: The Fulham defender was played in the centre of the defence by Coach Finidi George, and put in a confident shift. His passes from the centre of the defence aided the build-up and he barely put a foot wrong. Like Semi, he could have done better to prevent South Africa’s opener.
6. Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru 7.1/10: The Hatayspor midfielder linked the midfield and attack on several occasions, capping off a brilliant individual performance with a debut goal for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He had to be subbed off on the hour mark after he picked up a knock, and he was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf.
7. Wilfred Ndidi 6.9/10: The presence of the Leicester City midfielder limited the number of attempts Bafana Bafana had on the Nigerian goal. He was composed in the middle of the park, dictating the tempo of the game.
8. Alex Iwobi 6.5/10: The Fulham midfielder provided the assist for Nigeria’s equalizer. He had the opportunity to level the score late in the game, but he scuffed the chance, as his shot went way wide.
9. Ademola Lookman 7.2/10: The Atalanta man, despite being isolated on the flank severally, kept charging at the Bafana Bafana, creating three chances, and coming close to converting one for himself, but his shot stung the gloves of Ronwen Hayden-Williams
10. Paul Onuachu 5.6/10: In 80 minutes of playing time, the Trabzonspor striker could only muster one shot on target. His hold up play wasn’t the best, and he was replaced by Terem Moffi.
11. Kelechi Iheanacho 5.9/10: The ex-Leicester man was placed on the right flank by Finidi George, and he didn’t have the best outing. He was replaced by Samuel Chukwueze in the 67th minute.
Substitutes
Alhassan Yusuf 6.6/10: The Royal Antwerp midfielder’s introduction into the game meant a change of tactical setup for the Super Eagles. He sparked some life into the game, notably a one-two exchange on the edge of Bafana Bafana’s box that saw Samuel Chukwueze hit the underside of the woodwork behind Ronwen Hayden William.
Samuel Chukwueze 6/10: The A.C. Milan winger was more effective than Iheanacho on the right flank. He had a chance to score the winner for the three-time CAF Champions but was denied by the crossbar.
Raphael Onyedika: The Club Brugge midfielder came on for Semi Ajayi with ten minutes left on the clock, and made an important switch of play that led to a counter-attacking opportunity for Ademola Lookman.
Terem Moffi: In ten minutes of play, Moffi couldn’t do much. He replaced Paul Onuachi.
Victor Boniface, Frank Onyeka, Olorunleke Ojo, Chidozie Awaziem, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Sadiq Ismail, Kenneth Igboke, and Maduka Okoye didn’t feature at all.
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