World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria draws with S’Africa at 1-1 score
A view of Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong scoring an own goal [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]
Nigeria draws with S’Africa at 1-1 score
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with the two sides adding a point in their World Cup qualifying group.
As the match began, South Africa took advantage of their own soil by pressing aggressively against the Eagles.
Nigeria had their first corner in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross from the right, but goalkeeper Foster cleared the danger with a header.
The visitors fell behind in the 25th minute when South Africa forced an own goal from Nigeria’s captain, Troost-Ekong, giving the Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria, however, fought back and were rewarded shortly before half-time, as Bassey powered a controversial header into the net to level the score at 1-1.
At half-time, Nigeria made two changes to boost their attacking options. Arokodare replaced Dessers, and Onyemaechi came on for Troost-Ekong. Arokodare immediately looked lively, making a brilliant run down the left wing, cutting inside, and shooting narrowly wide.
Dele-Bashiru also tested the South African defence from the edge of the box, but his effort was well blocked.
Nigeria gradually took better control of the match in the second half, despite South Africa showing resilience.
The hosts made their first substitution around the hour mark, with Monyane coming on for the injured Mdunyelma.
Ndidi was taken off due to injury, substituted by Uche, while Chukwueze also came on for Simon as Nigeria completed their five substitutions.
South Africa made more changes, bringing on Mbatha for Mbule and Sebelebele for Appollis, aiming to manage the closing stages of the game.
The visitors had a late chance to take the lead when Uche fired a low shot from the right side, but it rolled wide.
Despite chances for both sides, neither team could find a winner.
The draw gives each team a single point, with Nigeria provisionally moving to second place in the group.
The Super Eagles, currently third before the match, will need a win in their upcoming fixtures to strengthen their World Cup qualification hopes.
The encounter highlighted Nigeria’s resilience in bouncing back from an early setback, but also exposed areas in defence that will need addressing as the qualifiers continue.
