South Africa Name Nigerian in Final 23-Man Squad to Face Super Eagles in WCQ
- South Africa have announced their final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September
- Head coach Hugo Broos named a player of Nigerian descent in the squad despite concerns from Mzansi
- Bafana Bafana will face neighbours Lesotho on September 5 before hosting the Super Eagles four days later
South Africa have announced their final 23-man squad for next month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches and included a Nigerian player.
South Africa will face neighbours Lesotho on matchday five on September 5, before hosting the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Bloemfontein five days later.
Source: Getty Images
Victory in both games will move Bafana Bafana close to qualifying for the World Cup scheduled to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
However, a loss to Nigeria and the impending three-point deduction could derail their momentum and bring the Super Eagles back into the race.
Hugo Broos named Nigeria player in South Africa squad
According to Briefly Sports, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has downsized his initial 48-man squad to 23 ahead of next month's crucial matches against Lesotho and Nigeria on their official X page.
The list, which Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominated, also featured six foreign-based players, including Premier League star Lyle Forster.
A notable inclusion on the list was Hannover 96’s Ime Okon, who is of Nigerian descent, and it raised eyebrows among the Mzansi fans.
@callmeslimzy wrote:
“Ime Okon is Nigerian 😅”
@bettersa_ wrote:
“Already there is one foreigner in our national team, and no one has a problem with that. In 10 years, Bafana Bafana will be made up of Nigerians and Zimbabweans. Our local talent will be playing in Philly's games and street football.”
@Demmydeeee wrote:
“Ime Okon for South Africa?”
@Thato_legend wrote:
“I need him to play Ime Okon against Nigeria 😂😂😂.”
As noted by Soccernet, Okon was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother. He came through the ranks at Supersport United academy.
He made his senior debut in 2023 and has over 40 Premier Soccer League appearances, and committed his future to representing the country of his birth shortly after.
He made his debut for South Africa in the COSAFA Cup in June against Mozambique and scored his first goal in the win over Zimbabwe.
Source: Getty Images
The fans also called out the exclusion of some top stars, but none seemed to bat an eyelid over the absence of Percy Tau, who was not included in the preliminary squad.
Nigeria have work to do in the matches against Rwanda and South Africa if they are to qualify for the FIFA World Cup next year after a poor start.
Nwabali injured before South Africa clash
Legit.ng previously reported that Stanley Nwabali got injured during Chippa United's 1-0 loss to Richards Bay FC and could miss the World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper, who plays in South Africa, was stretchered off in the 35th minute of the encounter, throwing Nigerians into panic.
Source: Legit.ng
