• Nigeria is third in Group C and hosts second-placed South Africa on Friday

• Finidi will be without CB William Troost-Ekong

• Awaziem and Yusuf did not train with the rest of the squad

Ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Super Eagles coach, Finidi George has been hit with fitness concerns for Chidozie Awaziem and Alhassan Yusuf.

Both players reported to the Super Eagles camp from their respective bases on Saturday, but their availability remains uncertain as they missed the first training session on Sunday, leaving only 13 players available.

While the rest of the squad underwent training, Awaziem and Alhassan trained separately, raising concerns over their fitness.

Finidi will be keen to have them back in contention before Friday’s clash against South Africa, especially with key players like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong already out of the squad.

Nigeria will face South Africa in Uyo on Friday, and Benin Republic in Abidjan on Tuesday in Abidjan.

The team is currently third on the table with just two points from possible six.