'Very good striker' – Hugo Broos talks Osimhen, pitch concerns ahead of Super Eagles clash

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged the quality of Victor Osimhen but insists Nigeria can still pose a threat without the injured striker when both sides meet in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

Osimhen picked up a chin injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday and has since returned to Turkey to continue treatment with Galatasaray.

His absence is a setback for the Super Eagles, who must secure a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Speaking to the pre-match press conference, Broos praised the Nigerian forward, describing him as a very good striker but downplayed the impact of his absence.

"We have also injuries," the Belgian tactician said. "I think even Osimhen is a very good striker but there are lots of opportunities for the coach to replace him."

The 73-year-old also voiced displeasure with the pitch condition in Bloemfontein, describing it as unsuitable for a match of such magnitude.

"I said already before I am not happy with the pitch either. There were people that blame me that I didn't want to play here, this is stupid," he stated.

"The pitch is not what we want to have and it is true other qualifiers we played on very good pitches. 

This one is not so good, there is no reason why we play against Nigeria because the pitch is not good.

"This is nonsense, we would like to have a very good pitches like we had before but it is not like and we have to do it with the pitch of tomorrow. 

"We played on  Friday on this pitch and that was not our choice, that was Lesotho."

Nigeria sits third in Group C with 10 points, six behind leaders South Africa, who top the table with 16 points.

With three games left in the qualifiers, both teams are under pressure, with the Bafana Bafana hoping to avoid defeat to consolidate their grip on the group.

Adeyemi Adewale

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