The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa during the June International break as they look to gain ground in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Finidi George was on the touchline as he heralded the Super Eagles to a 2-1 win over Ghana whilst being an interim manager.
The former Enyimba International Coach has now been appointed to head the team permanently, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as his priority.
He has selected 23 players to tackle South Africa and the Benin Republic, including two home-based players. The Nigerian football fans will hope their key players will be available and injury-free to put the team in the best condition to emerge victorious over Hugo Broos’ men.
Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa.
Goalkeeper: While Maduka Okoye has been rightly called up after an impressive season with Udinese, Stanley Nwabali should remain in goal. The Chippa United goalkeeper has been impressive in the South African league, saving penalties and keeping 10 clean sheets in 25 games for the Chilli Boys.
Defenders: The absence of Ola Aina and a natural left-back hints that Finidi will be reverting to a back four, with Fulham's Calvin Bassey covering at left-back for the team. Benjamin Tanimu was impressive against Ghana and should partner Semi Ajayi in the centre of the defence to protect Nwabali. Fenerbahçe's Samuel-Osayi takes the right-back spot.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi gets the defensive midfield role, while in-form Club Brugge man, Raphael Onyedika partners the Leicester City man, forming the midfield pivot, while Alex Iwobi plays ahead of the duo in a more attacking role.
Forwards: Finidi in his press parlay, hinted he wants a continuation of a front three like Jose Peseiro employed at the AFCON tournament. In Cyriel Dessers' absence, Victor Osimhen starts up-front. Without a doubt, Europa League winner, Ademola Lookman secures the left flank while Leverkusen's Nathan Tella edges Samuel Chukwueze on the right flank.
The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Tanimu, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Nathan Tella.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you have a different lineup in mind? Let us know in the comments.
For SA match
Nwabali, osayi, semi, tanimu, bassey, ndidi, onyeka, iwobi, Lookman, chukwueze, osimhen
For Benin match
Okoye, osayi, semi, awaziem, bassey, ndidi, onyedika, iwobi, Lookman, tella, boniface