By: Songu Michael.
A wave of injuries has afflicted several Super Eagles players, potentially causing a delay in finalizing the team’s roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 doubleheader against South Africa and neighboring Republic of Benin, as exclusively reported by NationSports.At least four key players, including Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Samuel Chukwueze (Milan), and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), are currently sidelined with varying injuries. Furthermore, speculation abounds that the team’s star Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, may also be unavailable for the crucial matches in June.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7 for MatchDay 3, followed by a clash against The Cheetahs on MatchDay 4 at their CAF-mandated home ground in Abidjan on June 10.With the fixtures just two weeks away, South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos has already announced a provisional 31-man squad for their June games against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. In contrast, coach Finidi George is reportedly scrambling to find suitable replacements for his injured players.
“The coaching staff is currently finalizing the squad for the upcoming matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic. However, they are still in search of skilled and capable substitutes for Ekong, Zaidu, Chukwueze, and Simon, who are currently sidelined,” a reliable source familiar with the situation informed NationSports.”The situation with Victor Osimhen is particularly concerning, as his availability remains uncertain.”While there are other talented strikers like Victor Boniface available, it appears that the coaching staff is exploring additional options,” the source added.
