The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to bounce back fully from a shock loss to Congo last Saturday after coming away from Cape Town with a goalless draw against South Africa in a Group A qualifying match for the 2015 Cup of African Nations.
Bafana Bafana headed into the match eager to end a winless streak in competitive games against Nigeria and were the better side in the opening minutes of the encounter but were let down by their final ball.
The Super Eagles began to get a foot on the game afterwards but also were let down by the final ball as efforts by John Mikel Obi and Nosa Igiebor failed to trouble the South African goalkeeper.
South African began the second half in similar manner as the first, threatening the Nigeria defence but failing to hit the back of the net.
The introduction of striker Osagoana and Sone Aluko added some life to the African champions’ attack, with Osagoana having a goal-bound effort cleared off the line with 10 minutes to go.
South Africa then had a chance to break the deadllock moments later but Rantie’s effort was kept out by goalkeeper Austin Ejide, with the Nigerian defence dealing with desperate efforts to score a rebound and see out the match to a goalless end.
The result in Cape Town leaves South Africa second in Group A of qualifying with four points after two matches, behind Congo that have six points, while Nigeria lies in third place with a point.