While Victor Osimhen’s injury undoubtedly alters Nigeria’s attacking strategy, Bafana Bafana shouldn’t mistake this for a reprieve. FARPost delves into the Super Eagles’ talent arsenal, which is capable of inflicting damage on SA.
Bafana Bafana faces a stern test in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Nigeria fielding a squad brimming with talent in every position. This is dispite Nigeria missing striker Victor Osimhen who has been sidelined with an adbominal injury and ruled out for four weeks. The Napoli star was replaced by Inagu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igboke.
The two sides will renew their rivalry when they face off in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday, 7 June. Kickoff at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo is at 9PM.
Bafana and Nigeria last met earlier this year in the 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles eliminated Bafana Bafana in the semi-finals. Nigeria won the encounter 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
NIGERIAN STARS BAFANA BAFANA SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR
VICTOR BONIFACE
The Bayer Leverkusen striker impressed a lot in his debut Bundesliga season. He helped the team to win the league and the DFB Pokal. The striker will be aiming to replicate his club form in the national team. In 34 matches in all competitions, the 23-year-old scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists.
Boniface returns to the Super Eagles set-up after missing the 2023 AFCON finals due to an adductor injury. He last played for the national team in November 2023 in the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN
The Atalanta BC striker also had a great season in Europe. In the 2023/24 season, he played 45 matches in all competitions, racked up 17 goals and grabbed 10 assists. His form helped Atalanta to win the UEFA Europa League final, defeating Boniface’s Leverkusen. The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick in the final.
Lookman had a fair competition at the AFCON finals as the Super Eagles finished second. In the tournament, he scored three goals and provided one assist in seven matches.
STANLEY NWABALI
The Chippa United shot-stopper is expected to be in goal when Nigeria renew its rivalry against Bafana. Nwabali didn’t have a great season with his club, as they finished outside the top eight in 12th place. In 29 matches in all competitions, he kept 12 clean sheets and conceded 27 goals.
The 27-year-old has performed very well for the national team in past matches. His heroics in between the sticks helped Nigeria finish second at the AFCON finals.
WILFRED NDIDI
The talented defensive midfielder was a key player for Leicester City FC in gaining promotion back to the English Premier League. Ndidi, one of the senior players in the team, played 36 matches in all competitions, hit the net six times and provided six assists.
Like Boniface, an injury cost the 27-year-old an opportunity to play in the AFCON finals. He recovered and featured in the last friendly matches in March against Ghana and Mali.
SEMI AJAYI
The former Arsenal defender will aim to bring his club form to the national team. In the just-ended English Championship season, Ajayi was a key player for West Bromwich Albion, who reached the promotional playoffs. The centre-back played 27 matches in all competitions, scored two goals, registered an assist, and helped the team keep nine clean sheets.
The 30-year-old is a regular in the national team’s starting line-up. Ajayi has played every minute of the last nine matches and contributed to the Super Eagles’ winning the silver medal at the 2023 AFCON finals.
RELATED STORY: African players round-up: Victor Osimhen hits purple patch