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| Ademola Lookman will be a handful for the South African defense on Friday when both sides meet at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a crucial World Cup qualifier. (Photo credit: Vanguard) |
The Super Eagles of Nigeria return home on Friday to square up against the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw in two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, leaving them fourth on the log after Benin Republic won on Thursday, heaping immense pressure on the Super Eagles and their South African counterpart.
The newly appointed Nigerian coach, Finidi George, will hope to have a great start, having led the national team to a 2-1 win over Ghana and a 2-0 loss to Mali in international friendlies. However, he must prosecute the game on Friday without Victor Osimhen, William Troost Ekong, and Kenneth Omeruo.
Maduka Okoye’s late arrival at camp means Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in the starting eleven. Coach Finidi will tilt towards a 4-3-3 formation, which will see two centre backs, likely Calvin Bassey and West Brom defender Semi Ajayi.
Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi and Chidozie Awaziem make excellent fullback options, while Fulham's Alex Iwobi will support Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. The latter has a lot to prove after a series of unconvincing performances in Nigerian colours.
Samuel Chukwueze and red hot Victor Boniface will replace Osimhen in the attack, with Ademola Lookman expected to feature. A win will take Nigeria to the top of the log; they cannot afford to drop points again.
For South Africa, it’s a game of huge significance. The Bafana-Bafana have always found it difficult to earn a result against the Super Eagles, with the latest encounter between the two nations ending in favour of Nigeria, albeit on penalties at the 2024 AFCON.
The visitors have promised to show they’re capable of beating Nigeria on Nigeria’s home soil. It will take a lot to make it happen, but the South Africans are in high spirits. The game will kick off at 8:00 p.m. in Uyo; it should be a great one.