Nigeria face South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with the knowledge that anything short of a win would dash their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the country’s second all-time goalscorer Victor Osimhen ruled out of Tuesday’s clash after picking up an injury in last weekend’s win over Rwanda, other members of the squad must step up in the absence of their talisman. Here are five key players to watch out for against South Africa.
Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare marked his first appearance after he secured a dream move to the English Premier League with the winner for Nigeria in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Rwanda. The 24-year-old showed impressive goal scoring prowess at Belgian club Genk and has netted twice in five caps for the Super Eagles, even though most of his appearances has been as a substitute.
With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the South Africa’s match, Arokodare will hope his impressive cameo against the Amavubi is enough to earn him a starting role at the centre forward position and an opportunity to impress on the big stage once more.
A massive showdown in Bloemfontein is on the horizon! 🦅#Naija4theWin #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/r8WPTRnIYh
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 8, 2025
Christantus Uche
Christantus Uche’s rise to the top level has been remarkable, and the Super Eagles star capped off a fine season at Getafe with a move to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on transfer deadline day.
Although he did not feature against Rwanda, Uche’s pace and dribbling skills could prove decisive for Nigeria against South Africa.
Ademola Lookman
Ademila Lookman’s talents can not be questioned and the reigning African footballer of the year award winner is one player to watch, especially in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
The 28-year-old showed little signs of rust despite having not featured for Atalanta this season, after a transfer dispute with the club, and will look to step up his performance and add to his eight-goal tally for Nigeria against South Africa.
Benjamin Fredrick
The young defender produced an exceptional defensive display in Nigeria’s win over Rwanda, despite the game being his first competitive start for the country. Benjamin Fredrick shut down the Amavubi’s attack and helped goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to a clean sheet.
Perhaps, the biggest selection headache for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle apart from the absence of Osimhen would be if to start the 20-year-old ahead of captain William Troost-Ekong for a second straight match after such an assured display.
To our amazing fans, we see you, we hear you, and we felt every bit of your energy 💚
Thank you for showing up and lifting us with your support! pic.twitter.com/0e9xHzr0sh
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 8, 2025
Stanley Nwabali
Stanley Nwabali has emerged as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper after consistent performances in goal for the country. He plies his trade for Chippa United in South Africa and will be familiar with most of the Bafana Bafana squad, making it an added advantage for the Super Eagles.
The 29-year-old will play a key role and will look to improve on his shaky display against Rwanda last Saturday.
