The Super Eagles failed to get all three points to strengthen their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup. So what are the major talking points from the clash in South Africa? Read on to find out.
Dark arts employed by South Africa with an abysmal playing surface
The South Africans knew they will be no match for the Super Eagles of Nigeria if the game was played on a very decent turf, hence the abysmal playing surface they presented for the match. The antics worked perfectly for South Africa as most of the Super Eagles players struggled to play on the terrible pitch. FIFA/CAF shouldn't be approving such a playing turf for an important game as a World Cup qualifiers - knowing fully well South Africa has got far better playing pitches across the country. This strategy by the South Africans to stop the Super Eagles from getting all three points really worked perfectly.
Eric Chelle has got a share of the blame for his erroneous starting XI
The Malian tactician was praised in my last review of the Super Eagles game against Rwanda for his tactics and substitutions which worked perfectly well to earn Nigeria the much- needed win. However, his choice of starting XI for the game against South Africa was entirely poor. Troost Ekong who only came on against Rwanda in the dying embers of the game to fortify the defense was started against South Africa - a decision which went on to cost Nigeria as the Saudi based defender put the ball in the back of his own net to gift South Africa the lead.
That wasn't just the only mistake Chelle made. He also started match winner against Rwanda in Tolu Arokodare from the bench - a decision that left many Nigerians shocked. Arokodare was exceptional against Rwanda when he came on and ought to have been rewarded for his display with a start against South Africa - a game Nigeria desperately needed to win. This are the kind of games that earns a coach his wages but Eric Chelle disappointed entirely.
Benjamin Fredrick again exceptional in defense
After his very impressive display against Rwanda in Uyo, it wasn't surprising to see him retain his place in the heart of the defense against South Africa and the 20-year-old really shone like a million stars for Nigeria. The last time the Super Eagles had such a brilliant defender rise to become a super star was Joseph Yobo. Benjamin Fredrick is in his way to becoming a super star defender for the Super Eagles if he continues like this.
Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the World Cup via the group stage now completely shattered
The Super Eagles now face an impossible task of attaining qualifications for the World Cup as group leaders after the draw against South Africa. A win would have still kept Nigeria within touching distance of qualifications especially with South Africa facing a possible three points deduction from fielding an ineligible player in the qualifying round. All Nigeria needed was to win against South Africa and push for FIFA to deduct the three points from South Africa. But with this draw, even if three points are deducted from South Africa, they are still going to be winners of the group if they end up winning their remaining fixtures. Nigeria will now look to qualify via the playoffs which is even more difficult than qualifying via the group stage.
Comment your talking points from the game let's see them if yours are different from mine
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