2026 World Cup qualifiers: Super Eagles get massive boost as two players regain fitness ahead of Benin Republic clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a massive boost ahead of their clash against Benin Republic after the duo of Adesewo SemiAjayi and Oluwafisayo Ayodele-Bashiru were declared fit, Soccernet.ng reports.

The duo were unable to feature against the Bafana Bafana for minutes when both sides met at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the game ending in a disappointing 1-1 draw for the Super Eagles.

The goalscorer, Oluwafisayo Ayodele-Bashiru, went off just after the hour mark after he was clattered into by Khuliso Mudau, picking up a thigh injury. The Hatayspor midfielder was replaced by Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf.

Semi Ajayi came off much later, in the 80th minute. The West Bromwich Albion centre-back signalled to the Super Eagles bench that he’d picked up a knock and couldn’t continue on the pitch, and was replaced by Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika.

While many have raised questions about the status of the two players, the duo have been cleared to feature in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic today.

As per SCORENigeria, both players are available for selection. There are no injury worries in the team. The duo trained fully with the rest of the squad when they felt the pitch of the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday evening.

The Super Eagles will be anticipating their first victory in their World Cup today as they take on a team headed by the coach who won the AFCON 2019 bronze medal, Gernot Rohr. Kick-off time is set for 5 pm Nigerian time.