World Cup
Super Eagles Land in Bloemfontein Ahead of Crunch South Africa Clash
Nigeria’s Super Eagles arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening to a rousing reception from the Nigerian community in South Africa, as anticipation builds for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with Bafana Bafana.
The delegation, led by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, touched down at Bloemfontein Airport at 6:25 pm local time aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft.
The flight, which lasted three and a half hours from Luanda, Angola, had earlier taken off from Uyo and made a two-and-a-half-hour stop in Luanda to refuel.
Welcoming the Super Eagles was Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Tope Ajayi, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye.
They were joined by senior officials of the National Sports Commission, including Salihu Abubakar, Musa Amadu, Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, Ebidowei Owiefie, and Seyi Johnson.
The Nigerian community in South Africa, mobilised by their president, Smart Nwobi, turned out in large numbers clad in traditional attire. They sang, drummed, and danced to create a carnival-like atmosphere that lifted the spirits of the team.
Also on the delegation were Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba, as well as other stakeholders, management staff, and media representatives.
Twenty-two players made the trip, along with technical and administrative staff. The only absentee was striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
The Eagles are scheduled to hold their official training session at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Monday at 6 pm local time (5 pm Nigeria time), where coach Eric Chelle will put finishing touches to his tactical plans for Tuesday’s highly anticipated clash.
Nigeria currently sit in a tense Group C battle, with the outcome of Tuesday’s game likely to shape the course of the World Cup qualification campaign for both sides.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the trip to South Africa, the Super Eagles will have to reshuffle their attack for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is expected to lead the line. His combination of power, pace, and finishing ability makes him the natural replacement for Osimhen.
OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi provides another strong option, capable of holding up play and unsettling defenders with his physical presence.
Coach Eric Chelle could also opt for a more fluid front three, pushing Ademola Lookman into a central attacking role to add creativity and mobility.
Though Osimhen’s absence is a major blow, Chelle still has a variety of attacking weapons at his disposal as Nigeria seeks crucial points in Group C
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the trip to South Africa due to a shin injury, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has to reshape his attacking strategy using the available squad—a 23-man squad confirmed by the NFF includes: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare among the forwards
- Ademola Lookman stands as the natural replacement up front. His versatility, pace, and creative instinct make him ideal to lead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
- Samuel Chukwueze offers flair and dribbling ability on the flank—ideal for stretching defenses and adding unpredictability.
- Moses Simon, known for his agility and crossing, could provide width and supply early chances from the wings.
- Cyriel Dessers, a powerful striker, brings physicality to trouble organised defences in the box.
- Tolu Arokodare, with his imposing height and presence, presents an aerial threat—valuable in set-piece situations or when playing a more direct style.
Coach Eric Chelle may opt for a more fluid front line, perhaps deploying Lookman centrally supported by Chukwueze and Simon to inject speed, while Dessers and Arokodare give strong hold-up or aerial options when needed.
Though Osimhen’s absence is a significant blow, Nigeria still boasts varied attacking profiles to challenge South Africa.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria have been dealt a huge blow ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, with star striker Victor Osimhen ruled out through injury.
The 26-year-old forward, who was expected to spearhead the Super Eagles’ attack, has been diagnosed with a shin bruise.
According to the team’s medical staff, Osimhen complained of discomfort and woke up still in pain, forcing the coaches to leave him out of the travelling squad.
“Victor sustained a bruise on his shin and is still not comfortable. It was decided that he would not make the trip to South Africa,” a team source confirmed.
His absence is a major setback for Nigeria, who are chasing vital points to strengthen their position in Group C of the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s club, Galatasaray, have expressed concern over the injury, especially with key domestic and European fixtures on the horizon.
The Turkish champions host Eyupspor in the Super Lig on September 14 before taking on Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-profile Champions League clash four days later.
Galatasaray’s technical crew confirmed that the player will return to Istanbul for a detailed medical examination to assess the extent of the damage.
Reports suggest the club is hopeful the injury is not long-term, but anxiety remains over his availability for the coming weeks.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in a record move this summer, has already established himself as a pivotal figure in their attack.
His absence for both country and club could prove decisive in the crucial fixtures ahead.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup5 days ago
South Africa’s Mark Gleeson, writes: FIFA silence on sanctions for errant South Africa a mystery
- CHAN1 week ago
Morocco Chase Historic Hat-Trick in CHAN Final Against Madagascar
- World Cup2 days ago
Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes in Peril as Group C Dynamics Tighten
- AFCON5 days ago
From Fortress to Football Theatre: Marrakech’s Grand Stade Gets a Makeover
- CHAN1 week ago
King Mohammed VI – Architect of Morocco’s Football Renaissance
- World Cup7 days ago
FIFA’s Silence on Bafana Bafana Eligibility Row Risks Undermining World Cup Integrity
- AFCON7 days ago
VIDEO: From Bowl to Beacon: How Morocco’s Grand Stade de Tanger is Rising to World Stage
- Premier League1 week ago
Optimism evaporates at Old Trafford as Amorim feels the heat