Nigeria vs South Africa: Lookman Demands Striker’s Role for World Cup Qualifier

• Ademola Lookman wants to lead Nigeria’s attack versus South Africa
• The Atalanta star is one of Nigeria’s leading goal-scorers this season
• The Super Eagles will face Bafana Bafana in the World Cup qualifiers

Ademola Lookman wants to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin next month, following injuries to some Super Eagles key players.

Nigeria’s top striker, Victor Osimhen, has been ruled out of both encounters after picking up an injury that has ruled the Napoli striker for four weeks, thereby raising questions on who is to lead the country’s attack.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Lookman, who has scored 16 goals for Atalanta this season including a hat-trick in the Europa League final, has indicated interest in taking up the mantle to score goals for the Super Eagles.

World Cup Qualifiers: Fresh Injury Hits Super Eagles Camp Ahead of South Africa, Benin Clashes

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"I think a winger is someone who stays out wide, waits for the ball, and looks to take his man on which I can do. But I think my game is broader: I can play inside, I can play wide.

"I can score goals. I can be a threat in a box, I can head the ball, I can pass and create. So, for me, I think that inside wide left area is where I can best play my game."

Lookman along with Victor Boniface, Paul Onauchu, and Terem Moffi, are some of the key forwards expected to arrive at the Super Eagles camp on Monday, June 3 ahead of both games against South Africa and Benin.

Tella pulls out of Nigeria’s squad

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Olawoyin has been called up as a replacement for Nathan Tella in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after the Bayer Leverkusen winger excused himself from both games, Complete Sports reports.

Nigeria gets Osimhen boost ahead of South Africa and Benin clash

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The 24-year-old winger, who was benched for the Super Eagles friendly games versus Ghana and Mali in March, cited family reasons as the excuse for pulling out of the crucial games.

Nigeria will host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7 before traveling to take on Benin in Ivory Coast on June 11.

Osimhen ruled out of qualifiers

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Napoli striker, Osimhen, has been ruled out of Nigeria's forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin after picking up a late injury.

The reigning African Player of the Year made Finidi George's final squad list for both of the important games in June, but injury problems have continued to keep him out of the national team.