Nigeria vs South Africa: Five key decisions Finidi must make in Super Eagles lineup for crucial World Cup qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to lock horns with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana for their matchday three encounter of the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match, slated for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, kicks off at 8 pm local time and becomes crucial for both teams after Benin defeated Rwanda to climb to second place in Group C.

However, while Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed he will be pleased with a draw, head coach Finidi George is keen to secure Nigeria’s first win of the series.

To achieve that result, the former Enyimba coach has five crucial decisions to make in his starting lineup.

Soccernet.ng‘s Imhons Erons highlights the key areas of his team that Finidi must get right to seal a memorable victory over South Africa.

1. Who starts in goal: Nwabali or Okoye?

The goal post is one department where the Super Eagles have had trouble in finding capable hands to fill in recent times.

That is until Stanley Nwabali took to goal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and impressed as Nigeria reached the final for the first time in ten years.

The Chippa United goalkeeper would have had the number-one gloves locked down but for the return of Maduka Okoye, who has been sensational in Italy.

The Udinese goalkeeper, the Super Eagles’ only goalie in Europe’s top five leagues, was one of the best shot-stoppers in Serie A this season. He has been so good that Italian champions Inter Milan have kicked off moves to sign him this summer.

Ahead of Nigeria’s clash with South Africa, Finidi needs therefore to decide whether to stick with what already works for the team in Nwabali or reinstate Okoye, the country’s best in Europe.

2. Who takes Victor Osimhen’s role: Boniface or Moffi or Onuachu?

Injury has ruled out Nigeria’s undisputed goal-king Victor Osimhen, making his number-nine jersey and boots available for who they fit.

Deciding who that is should be a difficult task for Finidi, judging by the form of Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, and Victor Boniface.

Boniface may have a head start after his brilliance helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and German Cup double.

Leverkusen also reached the final of the Europa League, where an Ademola Lookman-inspired Atalanta crushed their treble dreams.

Onuachu equally has a claim to the centre-forward role following his excellent scoring streak for Trabzonspor in Turkey.

OGC Nice striker Moffi combines blistering pace with a cultured left foot and he could be a perfect fit for Finidi’s preferred 4-3-3.

It remains anyone’s guess who the head coach will start up front against the Bafana Bafana.

3. Calvin Bassey: left full-back or left centre-back?

With Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi either injured or off form, Finidi invited Calvin Bassey as the only foreign-based left-back in the squad. Finidi also called up Rangers fullback Kenneth Igboke as a backup option.

However, the Fulham defender was often deployed as a left centre-back at the AFCON and during the friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March.

He could remain in that role should Finidi stick to his previous 3-5-2 formation, especially with Benjamin Tanimu still finding his feet in the national team setup and Chidozie Awaziem inconsistent.

However, reports suggest Finidi is looking to switch to a 4-3-3, which would force the coach to decide whether to pair Bassey with Semi Ajayi at centre-back or allow the former Ajax man to function as a full-back.

4. Who starts at right-wing: Chukwueze or Olawoyin?

Alongside the left-back position, the Super Eagles forward-right role is another problematic one for Finidi.

Samuel Chukwueze has been struggling with a knock on his right foot and though coach Finidi insists the AC Milan attacker is fit, there are strong indications he will not be in the starting lineup.

With Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella and Nantes’ Moses Simon not available, Finidi must decide whether to throw in a half-fit Chukwueze or put his trust in Rizespor’s Ibrahim Olawoyin.

Olawoyin has been sensational for his Turkish club this season, especially in central midfield but he is adept at playing as a winger as well.

He would be making his international debut if he featured against South Africa and for such a crucial game, Finidi may have his doubts about naming him in the first eleven.

Kelechi Iheanacho is another option for Finidi as many will recall that former coach Gernot Rohr experimented a few times with the Leicester City striker in an inverted winger role.

This is a tough call for Finidi to make, and it could be the main reason why he ditches the 4-3-3 for the 3-5-2.

5. Who captains the team: Ndidi or Iheanacho?

Regular captains Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong have not been called up for these games.

As the most experienced heads in the squad, either Kelechi Iheanacho or Wilfred Ndidi will lead the team against South Africa.

To throw keen watchers off his final decision, Finidi appeared at his pre-match press conference with both players – a ritual usually reserved for the coach and his skipper.

Feelers from inside camp suggest Ndidi will get the nod ahead of his Leicester City teammate in what should be a straightforward call for Finidi.