AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer suffered another setback as the team failed to secure maximum points away at South Africa.
The Super Eagles needed maximum points over the Bafana Bafana to keep their World Cup chase alive but picked just a point.
William Troost-Ekong’s own goal put the host ahead after just 25 minutes as he attempted to clear a square ball into the box.
Calvin Bassey’s fortunate header off his arm restored parity just before halftime restored parity.
The Super Eagles second half performance was below par as the introduction of Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare in attack changed little as the match ended one-all.
3 lessons learned as Super Eagles World Cup chase suffers setback
1. Poor second half
After benefiting from crosses in the first half, the Super Eagles struggled to replicate it in the second half. The wingers struggled to beat their markers in 1v1 situation neither could they put in crosses into the box.
2. William Troost-Ekong done?
Super Eagles captain, Williams Troost-Ekongight have played his last match for the national team. The 2023 AFCON MVP have been below par in recent matches. His lack of pace, and awareness cost the team as his own-goal earned South Africa a point in the tie.
3. Benjamin Fredrick masterclass
The 20-year-old defender had another fantastic performance as he should tall in defense all through the match. His tackles were clean, he was composed on the ball and his positional awareness was top-notch. Fans online believe he has taken William Troost-Ekong place in the team and rightly so most likely.
