Nigeria grabbed the first opportunity on goal when Ahmed Musa pulled a cut back to have a shot, but Itumeleng Khune got down to make the save in the opening minutes.
Nigeria qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg.
The Super Eagles didn’t wait long to take long though for the breakthrough as Samuel Kalu easily eased past Sifiso Hlanti before seeing his cross bundled in by Buhle Mkhawanazi for an own goal.
A late charge in at the back post from Thulani Hlatshwayo missed the opportunity for Bafana to get back as the ball bundled out of play from a free-kick.
Bafana soon equalised when PercyTau expertly set-up Lebo Mothiba for an easy tap-in on 25 minutes.
Bafana held back afterwards and so did the Nigerians with no further offensive displays from either side coming through as the half ended in a stalemate.
In the second half, the Nigerians were pushed back early on as Bafana stringed more passes in attempt to get the breakthrough.
But a shot on the full volley from Onghekaro Etebo gave scary moments to the South Africans; fortunately it went wide of goal.
The first change came up and It was from Bafana as Thulani Serero made way for Thembinkosi Lorch at the half and hour mak.
On the 67th minute mark, Nigeria considered their first change and brought on Isaac Success for an ineffective Kelechi Iheanacho.
Nigeria missed a golden chance when Samuel Omeru headed wide from a good position following a free-kick on 73 minutes.
Bafana were handed another let off as Musa beat the offside trap to tuck past Khune, but the officials incorrectly disallowed it for offside on 83 minutes.
The West Africans didn’t bother though as it still secured them passage to next year’s Afcon finals by the group.
Other result:
In the other Group E clash, Libya thrashed the Seychelles 8-1 and now only sit two points behind Bafana going into their final group game.
Teams:
Bafana: Khune, Mkhize, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane, Serero, Mothiba, Tau.
Subs: Keet, Ndlovu, Pule, Madisha, Maela, Mokoena, Lorch.
Nigeria: Nigeria: Ezenwa, Balogun, Ekong, Omeru, Collins, Etebo, Ogu, Iwobi, Musa, Kali, Iheanacho.
Subs: Akpeyi, Success, Onyekuru, Chukwueze, Ajayi, Agu, Idowu.
