Chelle names Ekong, Lookman in starting XI against South Africa

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has named William Troost-Ekong and Ademola Lookman in the starting line-up as they prepare for (Tuesday) today’s crucial encounter against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their ongoing World Cup qualification campaign.

The match is a high-stakes fixture with both sides aiming to boost their chances of securing a spot in the FIFA 2026 competition.

Troost-Ekong, who returns to central defence after a spell on the sidelines, will bring experience and leadership at the back, while Lookman, fresh from a stellar club season, is expected to provide pace and attacking threat from the flanks.

Chelle will be relying on a balanced blend of youth and experience as Nigeria seeks to maintain its dominance over the South Africans in recent meetings.

The Super Eagles have been under pressure to deliver following a string of mixed results in earlier qualifiers, and today’s game is seen as a must-win to keep qualification hopes alive.

South Africa, led by head coach Hugo Broos, arrives in good form and is looking to cause an upset.

Bafana Bafana currently sit pretty on top in the group standings and will be looking to exploit any gaps in Nigeria’s defence while staying compact at the back.

The game is expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides boasting top talents and recent competitive experience.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans rally behind the Super Eagles in one of the most anticipated matches of the qualifiers.

Super Eagles Lineup vs South Africa

23 Nwabali

2 Aina

4 Ndidi

5 Ekong (Captain)

7 Lookman

11 Frederick

14 Dele Bashiru

15 Simon

17 Iwobi

19 Dessers

21 Bassey

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Substitutes

Adebayo, Onyeka, Awaziem, Arokodare, Chukwueze, Osayi, Uche, Onyemaechi, Obasogie, Agu, Nwadike