Nigeria have dropped points once again in the World Cup qualifiers and is now in a tough spot. The AFCON runners-up are fifth in their group after collecting just three points from their opening three matches.
They were up against South Africa today and managed to get a draw at home. Finidi George’s side needed to come from behind to get the point and stay within touching distance of the top spot.
Themba Zwane stunned the home fans by scoring in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ensured that the second half started with a bang by equalizing in the opening seconds. Without further ado, here are the Nigeria vs South Africa player ratings from the match:
Nigeria Player Ratings:
Stanley Nwabali – 7
The goalkeeper was on top of his game every time he was needed in the second half. Could have done better for the goal, but it was hardly his mistake.
Benjamin Tanimu – 6
Played the full match and spent most of it in the opponents half. However, he was near the halfway line and could have done a lot more by pushing up.
Semi Ajayi – 6.5
Got played for the goal by Zwane but that was his only mistake from the game. Solid overall but the goal might haunt him.
Calvin Bassey – 6.5
Similar to Ajayi, the center-back had a solid game apart from the goal. He cleared the ball twice, but the goal came from the only time he was dribbled part by a South African player.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 7
The left-back was key to helping Nigeria in the attacking third in the second half. He was waiting on the halfway line all game and ready to help.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5
Played as a right-winger today and hardly made an impact in the 67 minutes he played.
Alex Iwobi – 8
The midfielder was on top of his game today and assisted the goal early in the second half. He also tried to get them the winner late in the game, but his effort were off target.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7
Played the full game but hardly had anything to do as the ball was mostly moving on the flanks. He was isolated in the middle on most occasions but did well when called into action.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 8.5
Scored just seconds after the second half started with a brilliant move. He managed to beat the defender with ease and smash the ball into the cormer corner of the net.
Ademola Lookman – 8
Had a decent first half but was on fire in the second. He was tremendous in launching attacks, but lacked the final touch.
Paul Onuachu – 6.5
Played around 80 minutes, but hardly made an impact. He had one shot on target, which was easily saved.
Alhassan Yusuf – 7
Came on for the injured goalscorer Dele-Bashiru but could not get on the scoresheet. He did manage to do decently well, but the fans will be hoping for more next time.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6.5
Came on for the final 23 minutes, but hardly made an impact.
Raphael Onyedika – 6
Played around 10 minutes, but had nothing much to do.
Terem Moffi – 6
Played around 10 minutes, but had nothing much to do.
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South Africa Player Ratings:
Ronwen Williams – 7.5
Made 4 saves, including a couple late in the game, to ensure South Africa got a point from the match. The goalkeeper was one of the key reasons the away side managed to get a draw.
Khuliso Mudau – 7
Had a tough ending to the game when Iwobi and Lookman were targetting him but always managed to win the race into the box and kept the two players searching for the goal.
Siyabonga Ngezana – 6
Apart from the goal, the center-back had a good game as he was able to clear the ball when needed and also was in position all the time, as he did not have to make a single tackle in the game.
Mothobi Mvala – 6
Should have done a lot better for the goal but overall, had a good game and kept the Nigerian forwards quiet.
Aubrey Modiba – 6.5
The left-back was up and down the pitch full game and managed to do well. He was able to keep the Nigerian wingers in check throughout the game.
Percy Tau – 6.5
Decent outing for the winger, but he was nowhere close to what Mokwana was doing on the opposite flank. If he was also able to replicate the performance, the away side would have easily won the game.
Teboho Mokoena – 6
Compared to Sithole, Mokoena did not have a lot to do today. He was more involved in helping his side keep possession whenever possible and was closer to the defenders than the attack.
Sphephelo Sithole – 7
The midfielder managed to keep his calm throughout the game and ensure that Nigeria did not get a lot of space in the middle.
Elias Mokwana – 7.5
The winger was a live wire today and ready to charge forward every time needed. He was easily one of the best players on the pitch though he failed to get a goal or an assist.
Themba Zwane – 8
Danced through the Nigerian defense and silenced the home crowd in the first half of the match. His goal was simply too good, and there was nothing the AFCON runners-up could do about it.
Iqraam Rayners – 6
Could not do much in the game and had to be taken off. He failed to get a shot away in the 71 minutes he played today.
Oswin Appollis – 5.5
Played over 20 minutes and managed just 10 touches in the game. Hardly made an impact for South Afriica.
Lyle Foster – 5
The winger also played over 20 minutes, but failed to get a single shot away. He too managed 10 touches in the game.
Thapelo Morena – 5
Came on for the final 10 minutes and hardly got a touch of the ball.
Bathusi Aubaas – 5
Came on for the final 110 minutes, and hardly made an impact.
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