Super Eagles predicted XI vs South Africa: Zaidu Sanusi out – How will Nigeria line up against Bafana Bafana?

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on The Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-final of the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.

Following a 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-final of the AFCON 2023 tournament, the Super Eagles are gearing up to face Hugo Broos’s South Africa this evening, Soccernet.ng reports.

Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, made all the difference for Jose Peseiro’s side as his first half strike was enough to take the Nigerian football team further in their quest for glory.

In anticipation of the thrilling encounter, Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro might be forced into a change with his newly preferred 3-4-3 formation, especially with Zaidu Sanusi’s shoulder injury which will keep him out of the game.

How might Peseiro structure his starting lineup?

Peseiro has shown confidence in Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali and the 27-year-old will most likely retain his spot in the lineup.

The Portuguese tactician has trusted the defensive trio of Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and William Troost-Ekong. With all three fully fit, there’s little to no doubt that they’d be starting this evening.

At wing back, Ola Aina’s versatility and ambidexterity might see him slot into the left hand side to replace the injured Zaidu Sanusi, while Fernabache’s Bright Osayi-Samuel comes in to right wing-back position.

In the midfield, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka are anticipated to hold their positions, and in attack,  Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are most likely to start.

Here’s the predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka.
Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Share
Published by
Adefolahan Guerreiro

Recent Posts

Chidera Ejuke: Sevilla star edges close to return

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has returned to light training at Sevilla following a hamstring… Read More

5 hours ago

“I would buy him” – Former Manchester United defender urges Arsenal to sign Osimhen

Former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has urged Arsenal to go all out… Read More

7 hours ago

Ola Aina’s ex-manager set to lead Onuachu and Aribo at Southampton till 2026

Former Torino FC boss Ivan Jurić, who previously managed Nigerian defender Ola Aina, is set… Read More

8 hours ago

Dessers exit nears as Rangers eye January move for South African forward

Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, could see his time at the club… Read More

9 hours ago

I was offered drugs at Chelsea- Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has revealed that he was offered performance-enhancing drugs when… Read More

10 hours ago

Ghana vs Nigeria: Black Galaxies unveil 26-man killer squad for CHAN qualifiers

Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has announced a 26-man squad for the first… Read More

10 hours ago