South Africa vs Nigeria: Osimhen out, Lookman and Tolu set to lead Super Eagles to promised land

Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup face a critical test on Tuesday when the Super Eagles travel to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa in a high-stakes Group C clash.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to line up without star striker Victor Osimhen, who will miss the game due to a groin problem aggravated during the Rwanda tie.

The Galatasary forward, has not recovered in time to feature against Bafana Bafana, leaving the team with a major attacking void.
Nigeria's Possible Starting XI
Nwabali; Aina, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon; Lookman, Arokodare

With Osimhen absent, Tolu Arokodare is tipped to lead the line, supported by Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon on the wings.

Wilfred Ndidi is expected to captain the side from midfield, flanked by Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi, while Benjamin Fredrick could be handed another start in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey.
Qualification on the line
The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 10 points from seven games, six points adrift of leaders South Africa and one behind second-placed Benin.

Having drawn four of their qualifiers so far, Chelle's men have struggled to turn dominance into victories, and failure to win in Bloemfontein could all but end their hopes of automatic qualification.

South Africa, meanwhile, boast a perfect home record in the qualifiers, defeating Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

The last time they lost to Nigeria on home soil in a competitive match was back in 2008.
What's at stake
Only the group winners are guaranteed a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up face a difficult path through playoffs. With stronger second-placed teams like Gabon, Cameroon, and Senegal already outpacing Nigeria in points, Chelle's side cannot afford another setback.