Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has shared detailed advice for the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming clash against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, urging the team to leverage the strengths of key players like Ademola Lookman and Tolu Arokodare.
Speaking on SuperSport, Siasia emphasized that Lookman’s set-piece prowess could be a decisive factor, particularly in tight matches where precision and creativity are required. He highlighted how free-kicks, corners, and other dead-ball situations can change the course of the game, especially when executed by a technically skilled player like Lookman.
Siasia also praised Arokodare’s physicality and ability to hold up the ball, noting that the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker’s presence in the box can create opportunities not only for himself but also for teammates making late runs or exploiting defensive gaps. He recalled Arokodare’s decisive impact against Rwanda, where the striker came off the bench to score the lone goal in a 1-0 victory in Uyo, which kept Nigeria within striking distance of Group C leaders South Africa.
The former Eagles coach advised that Nigeria must maintain composure and tactical discipline, stressing that South Africa, also known as Bafana Bafana, have been in strong form, winning four consecutive qualifying matches for the first time since 2002. He reminded the team that playing away at the Free State Stadium would demand focus, minimizing defensive errors and unnecessary fouls while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
“Facing Nigeria has never been easy for South Africa,” Siasia noted. “We must ensure a clear tactical plan, keep possession effectively, and exploit set-pieces. Players like Lookman can make a huge difference, and Arokodare’s ability to create chances and hold up play is vital for breaking down their defence.”
Siasia concluded by urging the Super Eagles to approach the match with both caution and ambition, aiming to secure at least a point, but ideally all three, to strengthen their qualification chances. He emphasized that teamwork, discipline, and seizing critical moments could determine the outcome of this key Group C fixture.