After grinding out a narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are already on the move again—this time heading to South Africa for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Bafana Bafana.
The Nigerian delegation, comprising 22 players, departed aboard a ValueJet aircraft on Sunday, though without their talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen, who sustained a knock in the first half of the Rwanda clash. The 26-year-old Napoli forward is flying back to Turkey for further medical assessment, a major blow to the Eagles’ frontline.
With Osimhen out, the weight of expectation now falls heavily on the rest of the squad as Coach Eric Chelle prepares for Tuesday’s crunch encounter at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Victory is non-negotiable for Nigeria, who sit third in Group C with 10 points—six behind table-toppers South Africa, who boast 16 points from seven matches.
For the Super Eagles, the stakes could not be higher. A win in Bloemfontein would not only reignite their qualification hopes but also reassert Nigeria’s dominance on the continent after a string of tight contests.
Analysts warn that the absence of Osimhen leaves Nigeria vulnerable, yet many believe the blend of young blood and experienced legs in the squad could still spring a surprise. Fans, meanwhile, are bracing for what promises to be one of the most intense fixtures of the qualifiers.
Tuesday’s battle is more than just a match—it’s a test of resilience, unity, and Nigeria’s burning ambition to book a place at the world’s biggest football stage.
PIONEER NEWS 