Dessers In for Osimhen, Troost-Ekong Returns in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles XI vs South Africa
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named captain William Troost-Ekong in the lineup vs South Africa
- The captain was dropped for the first time for the 1-0 win over Rwanda on matchday seven in Uyo
- The manager opted for Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers to replace the injured Victor Osimhen
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Eric Chelle has announced the Super Eagles' starting lineup to face South Africa, and there are a few surprises as captain William Troost-Ekong returns to the squad.
Nigeria must beat South Africa to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive despite having a poor start in Group C.
Source: Twitter
As noted by CAF Online, Bafana Bafana are top of the group with 16 points after eight matches, while the Super Eagles sit in third with 10 points after the same number of games.
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles' XI vs South Africa
As seen on Super Eagles' official X account, Chelle released a much-changed starting lineup from the team that beat Rwanda in Uyo.
Ekong, who was dropped to the bench for the crucial tie against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, returns to the starting lineup.
Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick replaced the Al-Kholood defender, put no foot wrong and gets the nod again despite the stakes of this match.
The Franco-Malian manager opted for Fredrick and Ekong in CB, while Calvin Bassey was pushed to left-back to displace Bruno Onyemaechi to the bench.
Frank Onyeka expectedly drops to the bench after his performance against Rwanda, paving the way for SS Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers is preferred to lead the line in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen, while Tolu Arokodare could be a super sub again, as noted by Soccernet.
Nigerians raised concerns over the return of Ekong and the exclusion of Tolu Arokodare from the starting lineup after his performance against Rwanda.
@mcihajji wrote:
“With Calvin playing 3, won’t the South Africans leave him behind when it comes to running? Onyemachi is okay in that position. Let's see how it goes. Arokodare to come in during the second half is good.”
Source: Twitter
@lebar4real wrote:
“Good luck to the Super Eagles. I have no complaints about the selection. I believe everyone is capable of adding their bit for the pursuit of our victory.”
@Kristelby38900 wrote:
“Ekong has that experience in handling big games. He knows they’d definitely try to give Tolu Arokodare an injury and maybe scatter his gameplay. So he’d come in as a super sub. Dessers knows he has to deliver at all cost!!!! Solid lineup. Let’s goooo.”
@TaySal007 wrote:
“Forget Chelle and his tactics, forget NFF, this must-win match will reveal the temperament, ambition and desire of these players to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup.”
Chelle spoke about Super Eagles' readiness
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle spoke about Super Eagles' readiness for the crucial match against South Africa despite Victor Osimhen's absence due to injury.
The Galatasaray forward was not on the plane to Bloemfontein, but instead returned to Turkey for further assessment and treatment at his club.
Source: Legit.ng
