Former Nigerian international Peter Rufai has blamed the Super Eagles inability to pick the maximum points against South Africa in Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to the players poor performance in the first half.

Recall that Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Bafana Bafana at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, their third straight draw in the qualifiers.

Zwane netted the opening goal for South Africa in the 29th minute before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leveled parity at the start of the second half.

Read Also: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Drop Points Again After 1-1 Draw With South Africa

Reacting after the game, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who was a guest on Afrosports, stated that the team didn’t show the kind of explosive action they displayed in the second for the first half.

He, however, said the team must buckle up for the next game against Benin on Monday.

‘They started the first half in a not too explosive way like they did in the second half.

“In the second half, we saw a Super Eagles that was explosive and wanted to take the South Africans to the cleaner. But then, that is where I think they allowed Bafana Bafana to come into the game in the first half.

“The game against Benin will determine how far the team will go, but I am optimistic the Super Eagles will still qualify from the group.”

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