Lookman ineffective, Ndidi shocking: Super Eagles Player ratings for Nigeria vs South Africa

Nigeria failed in their objective of securing victory against South Africa, managing only to extend their unbeaten run against Bafana Bafana in a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. 

Despite the crucial nature of the fixture, many of the Super Eagles stars failed to cover themselves in glory. Here is the Pulse Sports assessment of the Nigerian individuals on show against Hugo Broos's side. 

Like the game against Rwanda, Nwabali was rarely called into action, with the Super Eagles doing enough to keep South Africa’s attacking opportunities to a minimum. 

The goal he conceded was an own goal from his own defender—Troost Ekong—with little to nothing for him to do. Also, unlike the match against the Amavubi, Nwabali remained calm and even intervened to douse a heated moment. 

Ola Aina had little impact on the game before his unfortunate injury in the 10th minute of the game.

The youngster is a smooth operator and is moving towards certified status. He was brilliant in his ball playing, carrying the ball out effectively on multiple occasions. 

And in his primary role as a defender, he withstood the physical test of Lyle Foster, was snappy in his tackles and had a commanding presence despite his slight frame. 

The Super Eagles captain returned to the starting lineup for the game against Bafana Bafana. Other than his disheartening own goal in the 25th minute, which gave the hosts the lead, Ekong looked shaky and failed to inspire confidence.

The Fulham man started the game at left back and did not give Mohau Nkota a sniff. His blistering run towards the end of the first half, which culminated in a towering header, earned Nigeria an equaliser and ensured their World Cup dreams did not end today. 

Wilfred Ndidi had a dismal showing in the middle of the park, struggling to complete basic actions and losing out on duels he contested. 

He was an easy pressing target for the South African forward line and was imprecise in his passing, completing only 69%—an abysmal number for a defensive midfielder—before he was subbed off in the 70th minute. 

Alex Iwobi was Pulse Sports Man of the Match for the victory against Rwanda, but he failed to carry on the form into the South Africa clash.

The Fulham star was imprecise in most of his actions, failing to complete his passes and dribbles. He also struggled defensively, winning none of the three duels he contested.

The Lazio man was anonymous for most of the first half, but his forceful offensive action ensured the Super Eagles did not go into the break a goal down. 

He drove the ball down the right flank and delivered a telling ball into the flank, which was finished off by Bassey. He also improved his showing in the second half, playing a more defined right midfielder role when Eric Chelle switched to a flat 4-4-2.

For a second consecutive game, Ademola Lookman was ineffective offensively. He struggled to complete his dribbles, his passing was shoddy, and he got off poor shots. He was also presented with a gilt-edge opportunity to send the Super Eagles in from late in the game, but reacted too slowly, allowing Mbekezeli Mbokazi to rob him. 

The new Paris FC man had a poor game. He was Nigeria’s main outlet in the first half and failed to beat his man. He disappeared into obscurity in the second half when the formation changed to a flat 4-4-2, before he was yanked off in the 78th minute. 

Cyriel Dessers was anonymous against Rwanda and against South Africa; Nigeria might as well have played with 10 men, as he was a non-factor.