Finidi George Dealt Blow As Super Eagles Star Suffers Injury Ahead of South Africa, Benin Fixtures

• Nigeria will lock horns with both South Africa and the Benin Republic in the FIFA WCQ series
• Coach Finidi George is reported to have commenced drafting his squad list for the June games
• A defender of the Super Eagles has suffered a new ankle injury ahead of the crucial matches

Finidi George's first tasks as manager of the Super Eagles loom ever nearer as Nigeria are poised to lock horns with both South Africa and Benin Republic.

The newly appointed manager has expressed confidence and has been talking tough ahead of clinching victories in both clashes.

However, achieving victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series could pose a challenge for the Nigerian team, as reports have emerged of another player sustaining an injury, adding to the hurdles they must overcome.

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Super Eagles star suffers new injury

According to a report from Turkish club Fenerbahçe, Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has suffered an injury to his left ankle.

The 26-year-old was substituted in the 52nd minute of their round 35 league clash against Konyaspor after the medical team confirmed he would not be able to continue in the fixture.

Further medical examination revealed that the versatile full-back had suffered oedema and bleeding, with an additional tear detected in his left ankle.

Fenerbahçe has stated that treatment for the defender has commenced immediately. However, the injury is likely to keep the former Queens Park Rangers man out of action for the majority of the next month.

Osayi-Samuel's injury will necessitate a change in the team list being drafted by coach Finidi.

The Super Eagles gaffer is already dealing with issues in defence, with vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, remaining doubtful for the fixture. Additionally, combative forward, Moses Simon, and defender, Zaidu Sanusi, have already been ruled out of the tie with long-term injuries.

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How Finidi plans to shake up the Super Eagles squad is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Finidi George prepares shortlist for South Africa showdown

Sports Brief in another report stated Nigeria's coach, Finidi, has compiled a shortlist of players who could represent the Super Eagles during the June international fixtures.

This forthcoming list, set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, marks the 53-year-old's inaugural squad selection as manager of the national team.