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South Africa is currently second on the log after a win and draw, while Nigeria is behind after managing two draws in two games.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Friday, June 7th, will file out against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a must-win World Cup Qualifier.
This marks the second time in recent months that both Nigeria and South Africa will clash after the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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South Africa will face a different Super Eagles to the one they played after the 2023 AFCON since Nigeria now have a new manager in Finidi George, following the departure of Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro, who led Nigeria to a second-place finish in Ivory Coast.
Finidi George has dropped some players who featured at the last continental tournament and has also reinstated a few who missed out – giving opportunities to NPFL stars who were previously deemed ‘not good enough’.
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10:44 - 04.06.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Time and Where to watch Super Eagles World Cup qualifying match against Bafana Bafana
Here is all you need to know about the Super Eagles World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.
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22:25 - 03.06.2024
Wilfred Ndidi: Super Eagles midfielder models new jersey ahead of South Africa World Cup qualifier
Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi models new jersey ahead of South Africa World Cup qualifier.
Finidi George will need to apply a few tactical tweaks to get the better of South Africa, and three have been listed below:
1. Revert to a back four
At the 2023 AFCON, the Super Eagles played a back 3 because of Peseiro's ultra-defensive approach.
However, it will be wise of Finidi George to revert to the traditional back four that the Super Eagles is more accustomed to.
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Also, the absence of Troost-Ekong - the main man in the back three at 2023 AFCON should be enough reason for Finidi George to play a back four.
Fulham's Calvin Bassey and West Brom's Semi Ajayi should be the first-choice centre-back pairing while Sadiq Ismael plays at left back. Either Bruno Onyemachi or Osayi Samuel can fill in at right back in the absence of Ola Aina.
2. Possession football to frustrate South Africa
The Super Eagles have the players to play attractive possession-based football. Finidi George showed this in his first game in charge against Ghana, and he would need to do it again when Nigeria face South Africa.
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With Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka in the middle, Nigeria can keep the ball and exploit spaces in the South African backline.
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07:18 - 05.06.2024
Leave it all on the pitch: Ndidi rallies Super Eagles ahead massive South Africa showdown in WCQ
Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi demands that the Super Eagles must go all out to reach the top of their FIFA WCQ table in crucial matches against South Africa and Benin Republic
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14:26 - 04.06.2024
Home advantage to fuel my performance - Super Eagles goalkeeper, Nwabali
Nwabali will play in Nigeria for the first time as the Super Eagles number one when Nigeria host South Africa in the World Cup Qualifiers in Uyo on Friday.
The likes of Kelechi Iheanacho can also be introduced for his creativity and ability to drop deep, receive the ball and link the forwards.
3. Be unpredictable
Victor Osimhen (injury) and Nathan Tella (family emergency) have both withdrawn from the team to face South Africa.
With these withdrawals (especially Osimhen), all eyes would be on in-form Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, and quite rightly so.
Lookman (17 goals, 10 assists) and Boniface (21 goals, 10 assists) come into this qualifier on the back of an outstanding season for their clubs.
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In fact, both players are in pole position to replace Victor Osimhen as the next CAF Player of the Year, and it's certain Hugo Broos will adopt a strategy to stifle them.
However, Finidi George needs to be clever and come up with a counter strategy that makes his team unpredictable and anybody can come up to deliver the goods.
The clash between Nigeria and South Africa kicks off in Uyo in less than 48 hours. You can follow the match live on all Pulse Sports Nigeria platforms.
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