2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa - 4 Talking Points from the game

#2 Nigeria shows class and dominance

Nigeria was dominant from start to finish

The Super Eagles are one of the most illustrious names on the African footballing scene and with three Afcon victories and an Olympic Gold medal, they are also one of the most successful international sides. To add to this, their five triumphs at the Under-17 World Cup level is the most of any country on the planet at that stage.

However, they have massively faltered in recent times, failing to qualify for three of the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and this underperformance has led to a love-hate relationship between the national team and their fans.

Having won their opening two games against Burundi and Guinea, Nigeria fell to a 2-0 defeat to surprise package and debutants Madagascar to finish second in Group B.

As expected, fans were quick to express their disappointment on social media, with many calling for the sack of coach Gernot Rohr.

However, it only takes one victory to bring back the smiles to the faces of the Nigerian fans and this proved to be the case in the next round as the Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Cameroon.

Against South Africa though, they arguably gave their most complete performance in recent memory, as they dominated proceedings from start to finish.

Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi were their usual boisterous selves in the middle of the park while Alex Iwobi acted as an efficient linkup between midfield and attack.

Out wide, Ahmed Musa and especially Samuel Chukwueze shone brightly, while central defender Troost-Ekong also popped up with a goal. The one dark spot on Nigeria's performance was that Odion Ighalo did not really make much impact on the match overall.

Nigeria are one of the favourites to go all the way in Egypt and on the evidences of their display against the South Africans, they can be confident in their ability.