Cyriel Dessers will start in attack for the Super Eagles in Tuesday’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, Afrosport reports.
The Panathinaikos forward starts in place of Victor Osimhen who was taken off with a bruised shin in the previous game against Rwanda in Uyo.
Dessers is supported in attack by reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and Paris FC foward Moses Simon.
The midfield sees a return to the starting line-up for Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, replacing Brentford’s Frank Onyeka who started against the Rwandans while Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Besiktas’ Wilfred Ndidi retain their places.
The defence also sees captain William Troost-Ekong start after coming on in the final three minutes of the Rwanda game. Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick retain their spots while Stanley Nwabali is in goal.
Our lineup to face South Africa 🇿🇦
🔄 3 changes from coach Chelle
©️ Troost-Ekong leads as captain
🪄 Iwobi runs the midfield
🎯 Dessers spearheads the attackTime to get the job done, Eagles! 👊🏾#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/j7zNxIKF6E
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 9, 2025
Victory for the Super Eagles will see them move within three points of South Africa going into next month’s final qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
