Broos talks about Victor Osimhen's absence from the Nigeria team before facing them! | OneFootball

The Belgian offers his high appreciation to the Nigerian.

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Next Friday, South Africa and Nigeria will face off in a World Cup qualifier. Belgian coach Hugo Broos also mentioned the impact of the absence of one of the Belgian national team's most important players.

A high-stakes World Cup qualifier is set to unfold in Bloemfontein as South Africa's Bafana Bafana prepare to host Nigeria's Super Eagles at Toyota Stadium. The outcome of this Group C encounter could dramatically alter the qualifying fate of both nations.

For the hosts, a victory would represent a monumental step toward securing their place in the 2026 World Cup, nearly cementing their tournament aspirations. Meanwhile, the visiting Nigerian side views this match as a critical opportunity to resurrect their qualifying campaign and keep their dreams alive.

In a significant blow to Nigeria's ambitions, they will face this crucial challenge without their talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen. The prolific Galatasaray forward sustained a shin injury during Nigeria's previous match against Rwanda last Saturday. The 26-year-old goal scorer remained behind as the squad traveled to South Africa, leaving a considerable void in the Super Eagles' attacking lineup.

What Hugo Broos said about Victor Osimhen's absence?

Reflecting on his team's mental fortitude, the manager highlighted their impressive composure during Friday's match against Lesotho. He emphasized how the squad successfully blocked out external distractions and "all the nonsense that has been said," demonstrating significant psychological strength.

This mental resilience, he noted, will be crucial for their upcoming challenge against Nigeria. While expressing confidence in his team's abilities and their belief in securing a victory, the coach tempered expectations with pragmatic realism. Having considerable experience in football, he acknowledged that nothing is guaranteed against "a very good team" like Nigeria, despite his squad's readiness for the challenge.