2026 World Cup qualifier: Super Eagles' three must-watch players in showdown against Bafana Bafana

The Super Eagles are gearing up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa's Bafana Bafana on Friday, and the squad boasts a fearsome trio ready to light up the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. 

The stakes are high, with Nigeria looking to secure a crucial victory to boost their qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles will need to work hard to get their heads back on track after back to back draws in their first two qualifying games, and three players look poised to be key to their success.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at these soaring Eagles ready to unleash their fury on Bafana Bafana and bring home a win for Nigeria.

Victor Boniface

Leading the charge in Victor Osimhen's absence is the returning hero, Victor Boniface, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen's historic 51-game unbeaten run under  Xabi Alonso.

Boniface wasn't just a cog in the machine; he was the engine, registering a mouthwatering 14 goals and 8 assists during their Invincible title-winning season in the German Bundesliga.

While their dream run was shattered by Atalanta in the Europa League final, Boniface's hunger for redemption remains undimmed.

He'll be looking to give a good account of himself after missing the 2023 AFCON due to injury, and Bafana Bafana, the very team the Super Eagles knocked out on penalties in the semifinals, could be on the receiving end of his pent-up fire.

Ademola Lookman

Adding another dimension to the Nigerian attack is Ademola Lookman, the electrifying Atalanta BC forward who single-handedly ended Bayer Leverkusen's record-breaking run.

This 26-year-old dynamo etched his name in history by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat..

Lookman's trophy cabinet doesn't end there. He was a key player for the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON, racking up an impressive four goal contributions (three goals and an assist) that earned him a well-deserved spot in the tournament's best eleven.

Having already faced Bafana Bafana at the AFCON, Lookman knows their defensive strengths and weaknesses, particularly the likes of Khuliso Mudau. Expect him to utilize his pace and skill to exploit any gaps in the Bafana Bafana backline.

Stanley Nwabali

Guarding the Nigerian net is the ever-reliable Stanley Nwabali, who rose to prominence at the 2023 AFCON.

The former Katsina United shot-stopper displayed nerves of steel during his continental debut, keeping a remarkable four clean sheets, narrowly missing out on the Golden Glove award to South Africa's Ronwen Williams.

This season, Nwabali continued his impressive form with Chippa United in the DStv Premiership, racking up 12 clean sheets in all competitions.

His familiarity with the league, coupled with his heroics at the AFCON where he saved two crucial penalties against Bafana Bafana in the semifinals, makes him a wall of confidence for the Super Eagles.

Ejim Kaycee

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