The Super Eagles of Nigeria lock horns with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The game will be Finidi’s first as the permanent coach of the Super Eagles, but it will not be his first time leading Nigeria into a game. He served as interim manager in March, leading the Super Eagles against Ghana and Mali.
From those two games, it was clear that Finidi was going to play a similar style with former coach Jose Peseiro. So, it is likely that the Super Eagles will shape up in a 3-4-3 formation on Friday.
Soccernet.ng predicts Nigeria’s lineup for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa.
Defenders
Chippa United star Stanley Nwabali will keep his place in goal. Besides, Maduka Okoye arrived camp very late, so displacing Nwabali seems very unlikely.
Finidi is expected to play a three-man backline against South Africa. However, there is a big void in the team, with captain William Troost-Ekong out through injury. Kenneth Omeruo is also absent, making it a bit tougher for Finidi.
There are only five natural centre-backs in the 23-man list that Finidi invited. Semi Ajayi, who had a decent season with West Brom should start. Chidozie Awaziem should also start alongside Benjamin Tanimu, who Finidi appears to have a liking for.
Midfielders
In the full back positions, Nigeria look short-staffed. As such, Calvin Bassey may have to function at left fullback. He has been playing as a center-back since he joined Fulham last season, but it seems he would have to return to his old position. Then at right full-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel looks sure to beat Remo Stars new boy Sodiq Ismail to a place on the team.
In the middle of the park, Nigeria’s midfield general Wilfred Ndidi will keep his place in defensive midfield, while Alex Iwobi will be tasked with spreading and distributing the passes.
Attackers
Victor Boniface should get the nod in attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen. The Bayer Leverkusen star seems like the best man to lead the attack after an impressive season that saw him register 21 goals and ten assists.
He will be supported on the left flank by Ademola Lookman who has been outstanding this year. While Samuel Chukwueze will operate from the right.
Lineup: Nwabali; Ajayi, Awaziem, Tanimu; Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Iwobi, Ndidi; Boniface, Lookman, Chukwueze.
Source: https://soccernet.ng/2024/06/super-eagles-predicted-xi-vs-south-africa-tella-onyedika-out-boniface-ndidi-in.html
