The Super Eagles of Nigeria stumbled again in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup ticket after forcing South Africa to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tie was a keenly contested one, as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's early second-half strike saved Nigeria's blushes after Zwane gave South Africa the lead in the first half.
Soccernet.ng analyses some of the key takeaways from the game.
1. Nwabali deserves the number 1 jersey
Nwabali became the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and he performed well. However, there have been fears that he may not be consistent. And Maduka Okoye, who had a brilliant season with Udinese should take his place. Nonetheless, Nwabali proved his quality once again, making some big calls that kept Nigeria in the game. Surprisingly, he still wears the number 23 jersey. But it is high time he gets the number 1 shirt because he absolutely deserves it!
2. Lookman forgot his scoring boots in Bergamo
It was an average performance for Atalanta star Lookman, as he huffed and puffed but failed to score. He ended the season on a strong note, scoring five in his last four, but he ended his run against South Africa. His decision-making was questionable at times, and his finishing was just below the level he showed in his last three games.
3. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has still not proven himself worthy of the number 10 shirt
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru got a rare start for Nigeria, and he made good use of it, scoring the vital equalizer.
However, it is just one game, and he still has not proven to be the creator-in-chief in Nigeria's midfield. Aside from his goal, he had a decent game, but he did not create much for in the game. Perhaps, if not for his injury, he would have done more.
4. Troost-Ekong's experience was missed in Nigeria's defense
At some point in the first half, the defense looked uncoordinated following the frequent incursions of the South African attackers. Semi Ajayi was decent, but he looked quite shaky on some occasions. Also, Calvin Bassey was not at his rugged best. Perhaps, if a more experienced player like Troost-Ekong had been on the pitch, that would have been different. Finidi has to work on that backline in the long run if he wants to achieve anything meaningful with the team.
5. Finidi should have given Victor Boniface a chance
The game was screaming for a player like Boniface, who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and can create space for himself. Onuachu was decent, but most of the playing was done on the turf, an aspect of the game that Boniface is much better at.
The game needed a striker who would drag the South African defenders out and get involved in build-up play. But Finidi did not see that. A forward trio of Boniface, Lookman and Iheanacho would probably have wreaked havoc on the night.
