Rowen Williams and 4 South African Players at Risk of Missing the FIFA Qualification Game vs Nigeria

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with South Africa in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixture
• Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, recently stated that as many as four players are nursing varying injuries ahead of the clash
• Sports Brief spotlights the four South African players at risk of missing the crunch qualifier fixture against the Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa's Bafana Bafana are poised to rekindle their growing rivalry in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

This highly anticipated fixture, which is the first meeting between the two teams since their thrilling encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), could significantly influence their paths to the next World Cup.

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However, the lead-up to the fixture has seen both teams grapple with injuries to key players.

The Nigerian team will be without forwards Victor Osimhen, and Nathan Tella, as well as veteran defenders Ola Aina, and William Troost-Ekong. Similarly, South Africa faces its own injury challenges.

As reported by the SABC, coach Hugo Broos recently highlighted the injury concerns within his squad. This follows the withdrawal of combative defender, Grant Kekana, due to a hamstring injury.

With the June 7 qualification match approaching, Sports Brief spotlights the Bafana Bafana players at risk of missing the clash against the Super Eagles due to injuries.

South Africa players who could miss the Nigeria clash

Rowen Williams

The veteran goalkeeper is a significant doubt for the fixture. The 32-year-old, who dazzled with his stellar performances at the AFCON, is reportedly nursing a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the clash against Nigeria.

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Should the Mamelodi Sundowns star be unavailable, either Ricardo Goss or Veli Mothwa will likely step in to guard the goal for coach Broos’ side.

Teboho Mokoena

The midfield maestro is another player at risk of missing the clash against the Nigerian team. The 27-year-old reportedly suffered a knock in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates and is currently in a race against time to be fit for the match against the Super Eagles.

In the last meeting between the two teams at AFCON, the midfielder was the player who drew Bafana level.

Aubrey Modiba

The veteran left-back is another doubt for the clash against Nigeria. The 28-year-old has been a mainstay for the South African team since Broos took the reins in September 2022.

His injury is one reason the Belgian manager criticised the medical team of Mamelodi Sundowns, as reported by Sowetanlive.

Bathusi Aubaas

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The centre-back is another player who could miss the tie against the Super Eagles.

Initially expected to cover for Kekana, he may also have to sit out the crucial fixture after picking up a knock in his club's final match of the 2023/24 season.

The 29-year-old was recently recalled to the national team but might miss the upcoming games due to a niggle, as described by Broos.

With Nigeria set to face South Africa on June 7, the Bafana Bafana medical team would be hoping to get these players ready before the crucial fixture.

Nigeria to debut new jersey

Sports Brief also previously reported that the Nigerian team is set to debut a new jersey during the crunch clash against South Africa.

The West African nation showcased its latest home and away kits on social media, which will be used during the FIFA window this month.