AFCON 2019: Five Things We Noticed From Nigeria's 2-1 Win Against South Africa

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the five takeaways from Nigeria's 2-1 win over South Africa on Wednesday evening.

1. Better First Half For Nigeria

The Super Eagles started on a blistering note and duly got their goal, a good development considering the Eagles tend to 'wake up and soar' in the second halves in the AFCON thus far but they let South Africa come into the game in the second stanza.

2. Musa's Crosses Go To Waste

Ahmed Musa delivered some great crosses but he either over hit them or had no teammates to convert them.

The coaches must work on this.

3. Egyptian Support

The Nigerian supporters had the company of Egyptian fans who supported Nigeria ostensibly due to South Africa eliminating the Pharaohs in the Round of 16.

This support could do Nigeria's quest to win the AFCON a world of good.

4. Etebo Could Be Nigeria's Set piece Hero

Stoke City's Oghenekaro Etebo had a free-kick tipped over to the crossbar by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as Nigeria searched for a second goal.

The art of scoring free-kicks is one vital in a team and the former Warri Wolves midfielder looks like he could do the job once handled by legendary Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

5. Percy Tau Rendered Ineffective By Eagles Defence

Danger man Percy Tau carried the biggest threat going into the game for South Africa but the defensive quartet of William Troost Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins and Chidozie Awaziem did marvelous jobs and stopped him from causing any damage in the match.