Nigeria dominated the game and if it was not for former Kaizer Chiefs’ keeper Rowen Fernandez’s heroics in goal it could have been much worse for Bafana Bafana.

Uche outjumped the South African defence to power home a header in the 10th minute, and the home team doubled their lead when Nwaneri scored in similar manner on the stroke of half time.

The visitors rarely threatened their opponents in the second period and at times it seemed the Nigerians were just toying with the South African players.

Itumeleng Khune did not travel to Nigeria as he was advised by doctors not to after suffering an asthma attack.

Siphiwe Tshabalala and Mokete Tsotetsi did not get a run, even tough many observers believe the latter’s introduction in the second half might have been the injection the side needed to up the tempo against the commanding Nigerian defence.

The team regroup tomorrow ahead of their next qualifying game against equatorial Guinea at the Super Stadium on Saturday.

Nigeria travel to Freetown to take on Sierra Leone in the other Group 4 qualifier.