Searching for a Super Eagles predicted XI vs South Africa? Look no further, we've got you covered.
Nigeria's Super Eagles will contend with South Africa for a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
This will be the fourth encounter between these teams at this tournament, and the Super Eagles will look to maintain their perfect record against Bafana Bafana at the AFCON.
There's some not-so-great news, as Napoli's Victor Osimhen did not travel with the team when they made the trip from Abidjan to Bouaké for this match.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year is questionable for this match due to abdominal discomfort.
He faces a late fitness test ahead of Nigeria's clash with South Africa.
On that note, here's our Super Eagles predicted XI vs Bafana Bafana:
Super Eagles predicted XI vs South Africa
A 3-4-3 formation has worked so well for Jose Peseiro, and that's how the Super Eagles are expected to line up for this match.
Stanley Nwabali
Stanley Nwabali has the safest hands at this tournament. He kept four consecutive clean sheets, conceding just once at AFCON 2024.
The Chippa United shot-stopper should start between the sticks for Nigeria.
Semi Ajayi
Semi Ajayi started all of Nigeria's games at this tournament. He's averaging 90 minutes per game, which means he has never been substituted.
To put things into perspective, the Super Eagles have played over 500 minutes at AFCON 2024 if you include stoppage-time, and Ajayi was on the field every single minute.
William Troost-Ekong
William Troost-Ekong started all but one of Nigeria's matches, and he only missed the Guinea-Bissau game due to an injury.
The PAOK defender is the Super Eagles captain, so his place in the starting XI is almost guaranteed.
Interestingly, Troost-Ekong scored the winning goal the last time Nigeria and South Africa went head-to-head. He's probably the go-to guy when it comes to penalties, having scored the team's only penalty vs Ivory Coast.
Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey came in for Zaidu Sanusi in Nigeria's opening match, and he has started every game since then.
As a matter of fact, the Fulham player was on the field for every minute of the Super Eagles' last four games.
As it stands, Peseiro's troops are still yet to concede when Bassey is on the pitch.
Ola Aina
Ola Aina is another player who has been rock-solid for the Super Eagles, starting all of their games.
The Nottingham Forest player hasn't been substituted since Nigeria reached the knockout stages.
The only time Aina was subbed off in Nigeria's last four matches was in the 94th minute vs Guinea-Bissau, the game ended a minute later.
Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka has been one of Nigeria's best midfielders at this competition, contributing offensively and defensively.
The Brentford player started all five Super Eagles games and should be on the starting XI, barring any injuries.
Alex Iwobi
Although Alex Iwobi hasn't really impressed at this tournament, the former Arsenal player's performance against Angola was arguably his best in AFCON 2024.
Iwobi started four of five matches, and will likely get the nod to start vs South Africa.
Zaidu Sanusi
Zaidu Sanusi played all 90 minutes for the first time in the Super Eagles' quarter-final clash with Angola.
Although he has averaged 69 minutes per game, the FC Porto player started four of Nigeria's five matches at this tournament.
Moses Simon
The last time the Super Eagles faced South Africa, Moses Simon set up Nigeria's winning goal.
To be fair, the Nantes player has underperformed for the most part. However, he's coming off his best performance at this competition, and should get the nod ahead of Samuel Chukwueze.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman making the Super Eagles start XI vs. South Africa is a no-brainer. The 26-year-old has been arguably Nigeria's best player since the start of the knockout stages, scoring three times in his last two games.
In fact, no other player has scored for Nigeria in the knockout stages of AFCON 2024.
Victor Osimhen
Another player who is guaranteed a spot when he is available is Victor Osimhen, who has tormented Nigeria's opponents in this tournament.
Although the 25-year-old has one goal and one assist to his name, he was directly or indirectly involved in at least four of Nigeria's six goals at AFCON 2024.
The Napoli player should join the rest of the team on Tuesday, after he initially stayed behind when the rest of the squad travelled on Monday.
Nigeria vs South Africa will be played on Wednesday February 7 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Kick-off time is 6 pm WAT.
