Captain William Troost-Ekong returned to Nigeria’s starting line-up for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa after missing out on the team that began the 1–0 victory over Rwanda at the weekend.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had opted for 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick in Troost-Ekong’s place for the Rwanda fixture, but the youngster retained his spot in the squad. Against the Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein, Chelle turned to the veteran defender for the must-win encounter.
Dele Bashiru and Cyriel Dessers also earned starting roles, having both featured as substitutes in the win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.