Broos Downplays Osimhen’s Absence
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has downplayed the absence of Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.
Broos stated that Nigeria still has a strong squad, as seen in their win over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday. Osimhen was substituted in that game due to an ankle injury, but the Super Eagles went on to win 1-0 with a goal from new Wolves striker Toluwalase Arokodare.
While the 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year will miss the match against Bafana Bafana, Broos remains cautious.
“We also have injuries,” he said at a press conference at the match venue on Monday.
“Even though Osimhen is a very good striker, I think there is a lot of possibilities for the coach to replace him.”
World Cup Qualification Outlook
Nigeria’s recent victory moved them to third place in Group C with 10 points after seven matches, while Bafana Bafana sits at the top with 16 points after a convincing 3-0 win against Lesotho on Friday.
In the African qualifiers, only the group winners automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
The four best-placed runners-up will have a second chance through a play-off round. This makes the upcoming match against Nigeria at Toyota Stadium critical for both teams’ qualification hopes.
