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head-to-head: Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers. Copyright: Imago<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Nigeria\u2019s preparations for Tuesday\u2019s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa<\/a> have been dealt a blow following the confirmation that Victor Osimhen<\/a> will not travel with the squad, Soccernet.ng reports. <\/strong><\/p>\n The former Napoli striker, who picked up a knock during Saturday\u2019s 1-0 win over Rwanda, has been diagnosed with a bruise on his shin and will be scheduled for further treatment.<\/a><\/p>\n The Super Eagles must now find a suitable replacement for their talismanic forward, and while Cyriel Dessers stepped in during the Rwanda clash, there is a strong case for Tolu Arokodare to lead the line against South Africa.<\/p>\n Against Rwanda, the Amavubi Stars approached the game with a rugged, physical style that unsettled Nigeria\u2019s frontline.<\/p>\n In such contests, aerial presence became a vital asset. Arokodare, who now plies his trade with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, offers exactly that.<\/p>\n Standing tall at 1.97 m, the 24-year-old is that kind of player who can trouble aggressive defenders.<\/p>\n His debut goal against Rwanda\u2014scrambling the ball over the line in a crowded penalty area\u2014proved his presence was felt in the game.<\/p>\n Against a physical South African backline, the style of the former KRC Genk player could be the difference.<\/p>\n TEA well served \u2615\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/03eNcWbp9Z<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Dessers has experience and work rate on his side, but his cameo against Rwanda showed limitations of his game in the Super Eagles\u2019 current setup.<\/p>\n The former Rangers striker struggled to get service in the final third, often dropping deep without stretching Rwanda\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n Without a doubt, Dessers offers mobility. But his lack of aerial dominance and hold-up play that Osimhen typically brings to Nigeria\u2019s attack might not be a threat to the Bafana Bafana’s defensive setup.<\/p>\n South Africa is expected to match Nigeria\u2019s physicality, and Dessers may not provide what is required to unsettle Hugo Broos\u2019 men.<\/p>\n Following Osimhen’s blow, Eric Chelle faces a tactical dilemma in Osimhen\u2019s absence, but Arokodare\u2019s power at the heart of the opponent’s defense makes him a more natural replacement.<\/p>\n His ability to contest aerial duels and create space for wide forwards like Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon could prove invaluable.<\/p>\nSoccer Is Arokodare\u2019s Physique an Edge?<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Dessers Limited Impact<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Tactical Fit for South Africa<\/h2>\n
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