National Teams
2026 WCQ: Nsofor backs Dessers, Arokodare to step up for Nigeria vs South Africa
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Former Nigeria international Obinna Nsofor has tipped Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare to lead the Super Eagles’ frontline in the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen when they face South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
Osimhen limped off with a knee injury midway through the first half of Saturday’s clash against Rwanda in Uyo, a game Nigeria eventually won 1-0 thanks to Arokodare’s second-half strike. The Galatasaray forward has since been ruled out of Tuesday’s decisive encounter against Group C leaders Bafana Bafana.
Nsofor, who featured for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and enjoyed spells with Inter Milan and West Ham, admitted Osimhen’s absence is a major blow but insisted the Eagles have quality alternatives capable of rising to the occasion.
“It is a shame Osimhen will not be available for the South Africa and Nigeria game because he is Nigeria’s best player and would have been a huge weapon for the Super Eagles,” Nsofor told Footy-Africa.
“He is a player who has proven to be a team player, and in big games like this, his presence alone could intimidate opponents.
“However, I believe that we have talented players in the team like Tolu (Arokodare) and Dessers that can make an impact to help the team win the match in South Africa.”
The Super Eagles arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday ahead of the Matchday 8 showdown at the Free State Stadium, with Osimhen dropped from the travelling party. Arokodare and Dessers are now expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden as Nigeria chase a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
