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
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.
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.
Source: Legit.ng
