World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles ready for South Africa challenge

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will trade tackles with South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.

Nigeria face the Bafana Bafana on Friday and then battle neighbours Benin Republic in another qualifier next Monday.

Camp opened for the Nigerians last Friday and latest report coming today indicates all invited players are now in. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the last player to arrive the team camp.

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The likes of Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu landed in Uyo in a private jet on Tuesday.

Their earlier scheduled arrival on Monday was disrupted by the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress. The industrial action had crippled flight operations.

Europa League hero Ademola Lookman and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi both arrived at the team’s hotel on Wednesday.

While speaking to NFFTV, Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi spoke about the spirit in camp ahead of the South Africa game.

Late turn up “has affected the preparations”

He said: “To be honest, it has affected the preparations. Because normally we were supposed to start training on Saturday and we have not been together.

“I think it has affected the team in some ways, like we’re supposed to know what we are doing and how to approach the game. But we haven’t been able to do that. But I think they as they come in as well, they will be great additions still and we will take it up from there.”

Ndidi himself had arrived camp last Friday alongside 15 other players. The player, who missed the 2023 AFCON due to injury, also stated the Super Eagles must meet up to the standard of their second-place finish in Ivory Coast.

“The way we performed at the AFCON has actually raised some standards and the expectation is high. I think we have the same players and the same coach who was part of the team and we will do our best because we know these games are important.

“First of all, we have to focus on South Africa, whatever happens gives us confidence going into the second one.”

During the the 2023 AFCON tournament, the Super Eagles beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals. Both teams had played 120 minutes of football after regulation time ended 1-1.

“…not going to be an easy game”

Ndidi gives his thoughts ahead of the game: “It makes it more difficult because looking back to what we did at the AFCON it’s not going to be an easy game because, when they look back to the AFCON semi-finals, they will come for revenge and we are expecting that.”

The Super Eagles are third in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group with two points from two games. They need to win both matches to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

The Nigeria-South Africa match will kick off at 8pm (Nigeria time).