Nigeria vs South Africa: Super Eagles predicted XI – Osayi out, Aina in

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa during the June International break as they look to gain ground in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

Finidi George was on the touchline as he heralded the Super Eagles to a 2-1 win over Ghana whilst being an interim manager.

The former Enyimba International Coach has now been appointed to head the team permanently, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the main goal.

The Nigerian football fans will be hoping that their key players will be available and injury-free to put the team in the best condition to emerge victorious over Hugo Broos’ men. Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa.

Goalkeeper: Without a doubt, Stanley Nwabali should remain in goal. The Chippa United goalkeeper has been impressive in the South African league, saving two penalties and keeping several clean sheets. While Maduka Okoye has been in good form with Udinese, Nwabali gets a nod ahead of the former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong has returned to training with PAOK and should be back to full fitness before June 5th. Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Tanimu should partner the Super Eagles captain on the left and right side of the defence respectively. Tanimu gets the nod ahead of Semi Ajayi due to his composure on the ball.

Ola Aina’s return to full fitness means Bright Osayi-Samuel will have to take on a bench role, while Bruno Onyemaechi takes the left wing-back role.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi gets the defensive midfield role, while in-form Club Brugge man, Raphael Onyedika partners the Leicester City man, forming the midfield pivot, while Alex Iwobi plays ahead of the duo in a more attacking role.

Forwards: The combination of Cyriel Dessers and Kelechi Iheanacho caused problems for Ghana’s defence last time out. However, with Iheanacho’s drop-off into the number ten role, he would be the perfect partner for Victor Osimhen when Nigeria face South Africa

The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Benjamin Tanimu, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; Alex Iwobi; Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen.

N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you have a different lineup in mind? Let us know in the comments.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.