2026 World Cup qualifier: Five takeaways from Super Eagles nervy 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana 

Nigeria failed to capitalize on a chance to top Group C with a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday night. 

Themba Zwane scored first for the visitors, getting past several Nigeria players before firing at goal. 

Nigeria equalized in the second half with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru netting on his cap-tying game for the three-time African champions. 

The Manchester City academy product got past his marker at the edge of the box before firing inside the net. 

With the result, Nigeria are still behind South Africa with three points from three games. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five takeaways from the encounter 

1. Finidi shows character to make bold decision 

The Super Eagles coach, Finidi, granted Fisayo Dele-Bashiru his inaugural start in a competitive Nigeria game against South Africa. 

The former Enyimba manager opted to field Paul Onuachi over Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi for the start of the game. 

Within the importance of the match, the coach's decision to start these players, leaving the anticipated choices on the bench, showcased his bravery and decisiveness in making significant decisions while maintaining command over the team dynamics.

2. Poor first half performance 

Despite high expectations for Nigeria, the Super Eagles showed a lackluster performance in the first half against South Africa.

Nigeria had difficulty maintaining possession in the first half, leading to South Africa dominating the ball and scoring the first goal.

Deploying a 4-3-3 formation, Finidi George inadvertently left Nigeria vulnerable, allowing Bafana Bafana to exploit gaps and dominate the match by effectively building from the back.

3. Dele-Bashiru scores first Super Eagles goal 

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's performance in midfield for Nigeria was underwhelming in the first half, as he found it difficult to cope with the pace and movement of the South African players.

Despite his struggles earlier in the match, the 23-year-old midfielder demonstrated his qualities in the second half. 

Dele-Bashiru exhibited his skill by successfully maneuvering past his marker on the edge of the box before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

4. Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi disappoint for Nigeria 

Kelechi Iheanacho was positioned on the wings by Finidi George in a 4-3-3 formation.

The Leicester City striker failed to make an impact before being substituted by Samuel Chukwueze in the second half.

In a similar fashion, Semi Ajayi faced difficulties in defense for Nigeria, as he was consistently dribbled past by the South Africans and struggled in aerial duels. 

As a result, he was substituted for Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi moved to the defense. 

5. Percy Tau wasteful for South Africa 

Percy Tau, playing energetically on the right wing, cost his side the three points against Nigeria. 

Despite his lively performance against Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tau was unable to convert scoring opportunities for Bafana Bafana. 

In the second half, he had a chance to score a second goal for his team but was unable to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili. As a result, he was substituted for Thapelo James Morena.

Adeyemi Adewale

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