Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can overcome South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, who limped off injured in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, did not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein. Yet Ikpeba believes Nigeria’s strength in depth will be enough to trouble the South Africans.
Read Also: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria edge Rwanda to keep qualification hopes alive
“We can cope without Victor because we have guys such as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Wilfred Ndidi; this is a strong team,” Ikpeba said as quoted on South Africa’s TimesLIVE.
“He is a huge player for the Super Eagles, but we can cope without him. The difference is Bafana players have heart, and that’s what we need from our boys.”
Ikpeba pointed to Nigeria’s squad of Europe-based players as a key advantage, though he admitted they must rise to the occasion.
“We have some of the best players on the continent, but we have not been able to get the best out of them. The boys know what is expected back home, and they just have to deliver.”
South Africa head into the clash in top form after a 3-0 win over Lesotho, which extended their unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Ikpeba acknowledged Bafana’s strong start but insisted Nigeria can still turn the tide.
