Nigeria vs South Africa: Match preview, team news as Finidi’s Eagles ambush Bafana in Uyo

Nigeria will look to secure maximum points when they host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, June 7, Soccernet.ng reports.

It is a matchday three clash of the qualifying series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign in disappointing fashion, managing a tame 1-1 draw at home to lowly Lesotho before forcing a similar scoreline against Zimbabwe back in November.

With only two points on board, the Super Eagles sit in third place behind Group C leaders Rwanda, who have four points, and South Africa with three points.

To bag their points, the Bafana Bafana claimed a 2-1 victory over Benin on matchday one only to suffer a shock 2-0 loss against Rwanda’s Wasps.

The Bafana Bafana plan will be to avoid another defeat but that would be difficult against a Nigerian team that boasts some of Africa’s finest players.

Preview

Despite attracting criticisms from a section of their diehard fans, the Super Eagles remain one of the toughest teams to beat on the continent when there is a lot at stake.

Nigeria have lost only three competitive fixtures – against Central African Republic, Tunisia, and Cote d’Ivoire – since July 2019.

Earlier this year, despite losing several key players before the tournament, the Super Eagles battled their way to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa, Cameroon, and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire were among Nigeria’s victims along the way.

Simply put, whether the chips are up or down, the Super Eagles are never to be underrated.

However, Nigeria are entering a new phase of management with Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro replaced by former international Finidi George.

Under coach Finidi, Nigeria will look to play more offensive football to better unleash the excellent attackers that abound in the team.

However, that approach yielded mixed results in March during friendlies against Ghana and Mali.

The Super Eagles looked irresistible at times as goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman helped clinch a 2-1 win over the Black Stars – the first in over a decade.

But defensive frailties abound and it was exposed against Mali’s Eagles in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Finding the balance between the defence and attack will be key to a Nigerian victory against a South African side that has earned their respect in recent times.

Belgian coach Hugo Broos has got the Bafana Bafana playing as a unit, with verve and confidence, as well as a togetherness that has made them a tough nut to crack.

South Africa have lost only four – including their shootout loss to Nigeria – of their last 31 games in all competitions, a run that extends to mid-2022.

The Bafana Bafana also impressed at the AFCON, where they reached the semifinals and won a bronze medal.

There have been complaints about the team’s low-scoring attack but they put three past former African champions Algeria in their latest friendly to put that doubt to rest. Mamelodi Sundown’s Themba Zwane was unplayable in that encounter, notching two fine goals.

South Africa also drew 1-1 with Andorra in March and arrived for this top-draw clash in Uyo high on confidence and poised to pull off another impressive result should their hosts fail to come to the party.

Head-to-head

Historically, South Africans have not had much joy in games against Nigeria.

Since their first meeting in 1992 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier – which Nigeria won 4-0 – the Super Eagles have been dominant with eight victories, five draws, and only two losses in 15 games across all competitions.

Nigeria have claimed three wins and one draw in four previous World Cup qualifiers, scoring seven goals with the Bafana Bafana failing to breach the Super Eagles’ net even once.

The last clash between the two football giants ended in another Nigerian win, albeit on penalties, in the semifinals of the 2023 AFCON.

Nigeria took the lead from a William Troost-Ekong penalty after Victor Osimhen was felled in the area. But South Africa responded dramatically with a late Teboho Mokoena spot-kick, moments after Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage.

However, the Super Eagles triumphed in the ensuing shootout, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero.

South Africa can take consolation, though, in their excellent 2-0 win over the Super Eagles on their last trip to Uyo in June 2017 during an AFCON qualifier. Goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau handed the Bafana Bafana a memorable win.

Team news

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and stand-in skipper William Troost-Ekong will be unavailable for Nigeria. Captain Ahmed Musa and veteran defender Kenneth Omeruo have not been called up while Nathan Tella has asked to be excused.

Coach Finidi has been forced to hand first first-time invitations to NPFL stars Kenneth Igboke and Sodiq Ismael, as well as Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin.

Tanzania-based Benjamin Tanimu and Hatayspor’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are also new faces to the national team setup.

Still, Nigeria can count on the quality of Europa League winner Ademola Lookman, who has four goals in his last six games for the Super Eagles.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will likely take the place of Victor Osimhen, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze can offer genuine threats in attack.

Maduka Okoye returns to the national team fold but Stanley Nwabali should keep his spot in goal.

South Africa are not without their injury concerns as well. Coach Hugo Broos has invited Kaizer Chiefs’ Given Msimango to replace Grant Kekana, one of Bafana’s first-choice centre-backs.

Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana, who recently won the league with his Romanian side FCSB, are also newcomers.

However, the core of the Bafana Bafana squad that impressed at the AFCON remains available for Broos including Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Al Ahly’s Percy Tau.

Predicted lineup

Nigeria 4-2-3-1;
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Tanimu, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyedika; Lookman, Iwobi, Chukwueze; Boniface.

South Africa 4-2-3-1;
Williams; Mobbie, Mvala, Ngezana, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Tau, Zwane; Appollis; Rayners.

Match details

Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifiers, Gameweek 3
Match: Nigeria vs South Africa
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Uyo)
Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Kickoff time: 8 pm (Nigerian time)

NB: Make your prediction – Who will win this classy clash between Nigeria and South Africa and what would be the scoreline? Leave your comments below.