The Super Eagles of Nigeria touched down in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Sunday evening ahead of their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against the Bafana Bafana. The team arrived without their talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen, who has been sidelined following an injury sustained in their narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo.
The Nigerian side departed Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet flight shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday and landed at the Bloemfontein International Airport at approximately 6:25 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, they were received by officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a positive result despite Osimhen’s absence.
Osimhen, Napoli’s prolific forward and Nigeria’s leading marksman, limped off midway through the first half in Uyo after a rough challenge from Rwandan defender Claude Niyomugabo. Medical assessments confirmed he would not recover in time for Tuesday’s encounter, dealing a significant blow to head coach Finidi George’s attacking options. The striker’s injury has sparked concerns, given his vital role in Nigeria’s frontline and his consistent goal-scoring record in the qualifiers.
Despite this setback, the Super Eagles camp has expressed optimism, with the team banking on other forwards to step up. Players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and recent match-winner Tolu Arokodare are expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities. Coach George has emphasized a collective team effort, urging his squad to stay focused and disciplined in order to withstand the hosts’ pressure.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been a rollercoaster, with mixed results so far putting them under pressure to secure maximum points against South Africa. Saturday’s win over Rwanda revived hopes after earlier dropped points, but the clash in Bloemfontein is now seen as pivotal to the Super Eagles’ ambition of returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2022. A win would significantly boost their standing in Group C and strengthen their chances of finishing top of the table.
Meanwhile, the South Africans, buoyed by home advantage, are expected to pose a formidable challenge. The Bafana Bafana have been in fine form on home soil and will be eager to capitalize on Nigeria’s injury worries. The fixture has historically been a fierce rivalry, with both sides aware of what is at stake in the qualification race.
As preparations continue in Bloemfontein, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles’ training sessions to see how Coach George reshuffles his squad in Osimhen’s absence. The Nigerian faithful remain hopeful that the team’s depth, resilience, and experience will be enough to overcome the hurdles and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
