Super Eagles starting XI v RSA: Troost-Ekong captain; Dessers, Dele-Bashiru, Nwabali, Ndidi, Iwobi in

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for Tuesday evening's blockbuster 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with kickoff set for 17:00 PM Nigerian time.

It was known beforehand that Chelle would make at least one change to his starting lineup after his marquee centre forward Victor Osimhen suffered ankle ligament damage in the first half of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda three days ago.

Chelle has rewarded Cyriel Dessers with his first competitive start for the national team and the decision sees Wolverhampton Wanderers deadline day signing Tolu Arokodare named among the substitutes despite finding the net in back-to-back games at international level.

William Troost-Ekong is back in the starting line-up, and joining the captain in the defence is Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina.

Chippa United captain Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal despite coming under scrutiny against Rwanda. 

Former Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi starts in a holding role, with Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also featuring in midfield.

Cyriel Dessers leads the line and he is supported by Paris FC dazzler Moses Simon and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

Super Eagles starting lineup against Bafana Bafana: Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Fredrick; Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman, Dessers, Moses Simon

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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