With just weeks to go before Bafana Bafana and Nigeria clash in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, it is now reported that the Super Eagles could be without five key players.
The rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria is set to be reignited next month.
The two sides will meet on matchday 8 of the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, 9 September, at the Free State Stadium.
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A lot is on the line, as the upcoming qualifiers will be decisive for Nigeria, while South Africa could take a giant step towards their first World Cup qualification since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Bafana currently top Group C with 13 points from six matches, while Nigeria sit fourth with just seven points from the same number of games.
South Africa could reportedly face a points deduction, however, after allegedly fielding an ineligible player during the qualifiers.
While the verdict on that matter is still pending, Nigeria have already begun preparing for their clash against Bafana, which will follow their match against Rwanda.
Manager Eric Chelle is said to have made a few early decisions ahead of the qualifiers.
According to Own Goal Nigeria, Nigeria’s squad for the fixtures against Bafana and Rwanda will not include five players: Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye, Kelechi Iheanacho, Joe Aribo, and Semi Ajayi.
Boniface is reported to have lost the confidence of Chelle, while Okoye’s situation is complicated by the betting allegations he is currently facing in Italy.
Iheanacho and Aribo are said to be facing uncertain futures at their respective clubs, Sevilla and Southampton, making their selection increasingly unlikely.
West Bromwich Albion defender Ajayi, meanwhile, has sustained a hamstring injury that is expected to rule him out for up to six weeks.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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