Nigeria Peter Rufai Blames Super Eagles' Poor Performance for Draw with South Africa

Nigeria draws 1-1 with South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Peter Rufai criticizes the Super Eagles' first-half performance. Dele-Bashiru's goal salvages a point. The next match against Benin crucial

Former Nigerian international Peter Rufai attributed the Super Eagles' failure to secure maximum points against South Africa in Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers to the players' poor performance in the first half.

Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, marking their third consecutive draw in the qualifiers. Zwane opened the scoring for South Africa in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leveled the score at the start of the second half.

Rufai, speaking as a guest on Afrosports, criticized the team's lackluster first-half display compared to their explosive action in the second. He emphasized the importance of improving for the upcoming game against Benin. Despite the setback, Rufai expressed optimism about Nigeria's qualification chances from the group.