BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Former Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia, don talk say Super Eagles boss, Eric Chelle, suppose make use of Ademola Lookman’s ability for set-pieces and Tolu Arokodare’s physical presence as dem prepare to face South Africa for important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier dis Tuesday. Nigeria don travel go Bloemfontein after dem manage secure narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda for Uyo, where Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Arokodare, come off bench score the winning goal just five minutes after e enter the pitch.
The victory hold the Super Eagles within reach of Group C leaders, South Africa, and if dem fit win for Free State Stadium, dem go reduce the gap to three points (who no like small win like dat?). Siasia, wey dey speak for SuperSport, talk say the win over Rwanda suppose boost confidence but warn say Bafana Bafana no go easy at all, as dem don win four straight qualifiers for the first time since 2002. “We need to keep the ball, win free-kicks, and allow players like Lookman to make the difference. Arokodare fit also play big role for holding up play and creating chances,” he talk.
The 1994 AFCON winner don urge Chelle’s boys say make dem limit defensive errors, avoid unnecessary fouls and grab opportunities wey dey come from away home, to secure at least one point, or better still, all three points. E stress say proper planning go dey important for dem encounter while dem still dey build on their performance from the last match. Siasia also talk say even though Bafana Bafana dey lead the group, dem go need careful approach to face Naija, wey dem sabi say no go easy at all. “Facing Nigeria don never easy for South Africa, but we must get clear plan,” he stress.
Arokodare wey score the winner against Rwanda don give Siasia hope say the striker fit help for the attacking phase, with him ability to hold up ball and create chances for others. But the gist no finish so, because as we dey prepare for this important match, news don drop say star striker Victor Osimhen wey also don dey important for the Super Eagles, don get injury and e dey doubtful for dis clash. E suffer injury after him first half show against Rwanda, after dem komot am from the game.
This injury don set wahala for Chelle’s plans as dem dey head towards this must-win match for Bloemfontein. Expert, Simon McDonald, don talk say Osimhen absence go be big miss for Nigeria. “Going to South Africa without Osimhen na huge setback. This kind match dey require one moment of clarity, and Osimhen dey known for creating those moments. Nigeria still get quality for front, but removing that spark fit make big difference between securing three points or coming back empty-handed,” he add.
Siasia don point out say Osimhen movement and pace don disturb the Rwandan defence from beginning, forcing dem to use rough play. Dis all happen as dem dey face major challenge as dem go need players like Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, and Cyriel Dessers to step up and deliver goals in Osimhen absence. With Bafana Bafana dey form after dem beat Lesotho 3-0, dem no dey play for joke as Tuesday match fit determine who go take control of the group campaign. So, make we dey watch as Naija Super Eagles dey prepare for dis defining World Cup qualifier while fans dey hope say dem fit deliver without their main man.
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