Super Eagles Arrive In South Africa For Crucial World Cup Match Without Osimhen

The Super Eagles of Nigeria departed for South Africa yesterday morning ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifier (Matchday 8) clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Their journey was briefly uncertain after South African aviation authorities withheld a landing permit for the Nigerian chartered flight. The issue was later resolved, and the team landed in Johannesburg before heading to Bloemfontein.

The squad of 22 players, travelling aboard a ValueJet aircraft, is without star striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda and has since returned to Turkey for treatment.

The Super Eagles will hold their final training session today ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes clash at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein. Nigeria sits third in Group C with 10 points, while group leaders South Africa top the table with 16 points from seven matches.

With Osimhen absent, Coach Eric Chelle’s men face added pressure as they seek a third qualifier win to boost their World Cup hopes. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can rally against an in-form Bafana Bafana.