Nigeria vs South Africa: Super Eagles predicted XI – Onyeka out, Onyedika in

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.

Both sides are looking to grab maximum points as they look to seal a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next year, although six points currently stand between them.

Eric Chelle was on the touchline as he heralded the Super Eagles to a narrow 1-0 win over the Republic of Rwanda last Saturday in a not-so-convincing display from the three-time African Champions.

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The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen, who has returned to Istanbul after suffering a bruised shin in Nigeria's win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

With his talismanic striker out and a game to win on the horizon, coach Eric Chelle has to make some tweaks to the team. Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available for the South Africa game.

Goalkeeper: Despite showing a flurry of emotions in Nigeria's win over Rwanda, Stanley Nwabali is Nigeria's best bet against South Africa, particularly because he plies his trade in the PSL, and his knowledge of the Bafana Bafana players could be an advantage.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong started the game against Rwanda on the bench, but it is highly expected that the Super Eagles captain will be reinstated into the starting eleven for such a crucial clash against Bafana Bafana.

Bar any late injury problems, the remainder of the three defenders should remain intact with Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Midfielders: Eric Chelle paired Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka in the middle of the park against Rwanda, but the duo barely progressed the ball into the final third.

If the Franco-Malian tactician wants a change in profile/personnel, Raphael Onyedika is the best option. The Club Brugge midfielder is a good passer of the ball and is tidy off the ball as well.

Alex Iwobi would feature slightly ahead of the duo as Chelle will most likely maintain a diamond 4-4-2 formation.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen led the line against Rwanda, but with the Galatasaray striker out with an injury, Cyriel Dessers will most likely come in for him, while Tolu Arokodare will be an option from the bench.

 

The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers.