Afrigather 
Nigeria and South Africa settled for a 1-1 draw of their essential World Cup qualifier on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo on Friday night time.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored his second objective for Nigeria to cancel out a positive Themba Zwane opener because the Tremendous Eagles didn’t soar previous the guests.
The way it occurred
First half
Finidi handed Manchester Metropolis academy product Fisayo Dele-Bashiru a spot within the beginning lineup whereas Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made his house debut for the Tremendous Eagles after incomes eleven caps on away grounds.
With the staff initially arrange in an exciting-looking 4-3-3, the Tremendous Eagles performed on the entrance foot within the opening levels.
Nonetheless, South Africa’s quick passing transfer allowed the Bafana Bafana to rapidly settle and it was the guests who had the primary probability of the sport when a Teboho Mokoena free-kick grazed Nwabali’s crossbar.
South Africa took the lead their positive play deserved simply earlier than the half-hour mark after Themba Zwane danced previous a sleepy Nigeria defence to fireside past Nwabali.
🚨 GOAL! South Africa take the lead in opposition to Nigeria. 0-1 pic.twitter.com/ve4at1l3aw
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) June 7, 2024
The guests got here near a second shortly after however Benjamin Tanimu was readily available to move the ball away with Nwabali overwhelmed.
Late within the half, Nigeria lastly had a sniff at objective however Onuachu, most popular in assault to Victor Boniface, positioned his header from an Ademola Lookman cross near goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Bafana Bafana headed into the dressing room at halftime the happier of the 2 groups whereas the Tremendous Eagles would have been silently happy to be solely behind by a lone objective.
Second half
After using their luck for the perfect a part of the opening half, Nigeria got here out smoking within the second half and swiftly noticed their efforts rewarded.
Onuachu mixed neatly with Iwobi after which the Fulham man fed Dele-Bashiru, who turned brilliantly to smash a low drive into the web.
— Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) June 7, 2024
Nigeria had a great shout for a penalty shortly after when Dele-Bashiru was hacked down within the field however the referee shockingly waved play on.
Goalscorer Dele-Bashiru didn’t get better from that knock and he was changed on the hour mark by Alhassan Yusuf.
The Tremendous Eagles had been displaying extra battle than within the first half and the probabilities started to open up for the house staff.
Brilliant Osayi-Samuel had the sight of objective after Onuachu performed him in however the Fenerbahce fullback fired straight at goalkeeper Williams.
Iwobi then fired excessive and huge when nicely positioned earlier than substitute Samuel Chukwueze smashed one into the crossbar after a wise one-two with Yusuf.
Nigeria had two late possibilities by means of Lookman to say a win however the Atalanta man couldn’t discover the effectivity he confirmed within the last of the Europa League final month.
In the long run, Finidi George’s Eagles settled for a draw with the Bafana to lose the possibility to go prime of Group C.
What subsequent?
Nigeria will head to Cote d’Ivoire the place they may face the Benin Republic on Monday.
The Tremendous Eagles have now drawn their first three video games within the qualifiers and sit second from backside.
Group C now has a brand new chief after Lesotho climbed above all their rivals following an exciting 2-0 win away to Zimbabwe.
