Ex-Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia gives 2 reasons Nigeria will struggle against South Africa

Nigerian football legend Samson Siasia assessed the Super Eagles' readiness for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against South Africa and predicted that they will struggle against Bafana Bafana, citing two key reasons.

Siasia, who has previously coached the senior national team, is currently serving a FIFA suspension over match-fixing allegations; he has been active in the media recently, with his ban set to expire in months. 

Nigeria face the Bafana Bafana on June 7th in their bid to advance their ambitions of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Siasia highlighted the absence of Victor Osimhen and believes that is an advantage for South Africa. As Pulse Sports reported, Victor Osimhen sustained an injury and will be ruled out for up to a month. He was replaced in camp by Enugu Rangers’ left-back Kenneth Igboke. 

Also, Siasia suggested that Nigeria’s opposition will have more synergy, as their coach, Hugo Broos, has been in charge since 2021, whereas Finidi George is yet to coach his first Super Eagles game as the permanent head coach, although he was in the dugout for two games as an interim coach. 

“It will be difficult for the Super Eagles as they will be without a key player (Osimhen), and while South Africa will be coming with the same coach and players, we have a new coach,” Siasia said, according to ScoreNigeria.

Meanwhile, Ndidi was questioned about Osimhen's absence in an interview, and although he admitted Osimhen's peerless qualities, he believes that Nigerian strength is in the unit.