Finidi George’s era as Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach kicked off with a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.
Coming off two draws in their opening qualifiers for the North America 2026 festival, the Super Eagles needed all three points to force a much-needed improvement in their standings in Group C of Africa’s qualifiers, but the West African giants had to make do with a point against a South African side they defeated en route to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February.
Although George named a much different lineup from Jose Peseiro’s XI in Côte d’Ivoire, the ex-Enyimba coach, on a mission to overcome his predecessor’s deficit, offered little, as his primary assignment became more difficult.
After enjoying a fair share of the opening minutes’ possession, Nigeria looked on as a great team play from South Africa resulted in the game’s opener.
Themba Zwane put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 29th minute after a poor defending from the Eagles defenders allowed the Mamelodi Sundowns’ forward to fire past a helpless Stanley Nwabali.
A few minutes into the second half, Oluwafisayo Dele-Bashiru, with a classic turn restored parity for Nigeria off Alex Iwobi’s defence-splitting pass. The goal was the 23-year-old’s first for AFCON 2023 finalists, in what appeared to be his second appearance.
The Hatayspor midfielder was fouled in the box a few minutes after his equaliser, but the referee waved on to spark up controversies, as both teams settled for the spoils in Uyo.
Although Nigeria avoided defeat, it was a disappointing result for the three-time African Champions, as they slumped to fifth in the Group C WC qualifying series, following Lesotho’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe earlier on Friday.
Having drawn each of their last 5 World Cup qualifiers, George-led Super Eagles now have a mountain to climb as they go away to Benin Republic on Monday, June 10, for their Matchday four qualifying fixture.
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