By Ogbitse Meyiwa
Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, said that his team must now put behind them Friday’s disappointing draw against South Africa and be ready for the upcoming match against Benin Republic on Monday, 10th June 2024.
The Super Eagles held the visitors to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday 3 encounter in Uyo, placing them 5th on the table with 3 points. The team, led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, featured Stanley Nwabali in goal, with Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in defence. Thembo Zwane broke through the Super Eagles’ defence and gave South Africa the lead in the first half.
Hatayspor midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, with a lovely strike, equalised for the Super Eagles immediately after they came back from the half-time break. “We missed chances; overall it was not a bad second half for us. The players reacted well in the second half, but it was not the best result we wanted. We have to get our heads up and work for the next game (Benin Republic). I am not happy about the point,” Finidi said.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently in a difficult position, but they can still qualify for the World Cup by winning their remaining matches against Benin and Lesotho. If South Africa and Zimbabwe lose some of their remaining matches, or if other teams in the group draw some of their remaining matches, Nigeria will have a chance. Additionally, if the Super Eagles finish second in the group, they can still qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs.