2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Players' Ratings Against South Africa Revealed

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Players' Ratings Against South Africa Revealed

Precious Oham

After battling to a 1-1 draw with South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the race for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles players' ratings are out, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was rarely threatened by the South Africa side. Despite conceding a cruel own goal, the Chippa United goalie commanded his backline and was rated 6.5.

On his part, it was an unforgettable evening for the skipper, William Ekong, who surprisingly gave the hosts the lead with an atrocious own goal.

He was substituted at the restart and rated 6.5. Also, Ola Aina, who picked up an injury in the first half was rated 6.4.

Top on the ratings on 7.1 is the new revelation, Benjamin Fredrick who showed real promise for the future with a commanding aura to the backline. 

He was steady, confident, and unshaken under pressure despite the result.

He is closely followed by Calvin Bassey, who got the equaliser just before the stroke of halftime on 7.0. Bassey proved his mettle in the backline with a solid performance.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is rated 6.8 after being paired with Wilfred Ndidi in the middle of the park.

Ndidi was rated 6.6 after he failed to produce the needed spark for the team. Fulham FC of England attacking sensation, Alex Iwobi is rated 6.5.

He battled to contain the opposition in the midfield and was caught napping on some occasions.

Iwobi equally failed to create chances for the wingers and strikers.

The attacking trio of Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers and reigning African Best Player, Ademola Lookman played beyond par as they struggled to create any meaningful goal scoring opportunities. 

They were rated 6.6, 6.5 and 6.2 respectively. The substitutes made their marks including the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Christantus Uche and Samuel Chukwuze and were all rated over 6.0 With the result, South Africa remain on course to qualify while Nigeria's hopes continue to hand on the thread.