Nigeria Announces Final Squad To Face Bafana In WC Qualifiers
Nigeria has announced a star-studded squad for two critical FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana.
These matches are crucial for the Super Eagles, who are currently fourth in Group C and desperate to qualify for the tournament.
Squad Details and Key Players
The squad includes Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was previously a doubt for the matches after suffering an injury against Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership.
Nwabali, a standout performer in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final last year, has since recovered and has been seen training with his club.
The roster also features two recent winners of the African Footballer of the Year award, Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024). Captain William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 AFCON, is also in the squad, along with Simon Moses, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Ola Aina.
The Road to the World Cup
Nigeria is in a difficult position in their qualification group, having secured only one victory in six matches and accumulating seven points. They are six points behind the group leaders, South Africa.
The Super Eagles will first host Rwanda on 6 September at the 31,000-seater Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. They will then travel to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 9 September.
A win against South Africa would be a significant achievement, as Nigeria has not defeated Bafana Bafana in South Africa during a FIFA World Cup qualifier since 2008. Failure to win these two upcoming matches could end Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
