Thabiso Monyane has been drafted into South Africa’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria after Nyiko Mobbie was ruled out with a fractured eye socket that required emergency surgery.
The injury represents a significant setback for Bafana Bafana, who have been forced into late changes ahead of their crucial Group match.
Mobbie, a dependable presence on the right side of defence, sustained the injury during the early stages of South Africa’s meeting with Lesotho at the Free State Stadium.
Just five minutes into the contest, the 29-year-old was involved in a heavy clash of heads that left him unable to continue. He was immediately substituted, with Zuko Mdunyelwa taking his place.
Medical examinations later confirmed a triple fracture to the eye socket, an injury that necessitated surgery on Saturday, 6 September. His absence leaves coach Hugo Broos without one of his established starters for the upcoming fixture.
In response, Broos has turned to Thabiso Monyane, the 25-year-old right-back who recently joined Kaizer Chiefs on 1 July 2025. Standing at 1.67 metres, Monyane has been brought in to provide cover on the flank and strengthen the defensive options available for Tuesday’s contest in Nigeria.
The call-up marks a return to the national team for Monyane, who has previously featured for Bafana Bafana but has been out of the squad in recent months. Now presented with another opportunity, he will aim to seize the moment and re-establish himself at international level.
The timing of the injury could hardly be more disruptive for South Africa, who are preparing for a high-stakes encounter on 9 September, part of the ninth round of Africa’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. With every match carrying increasing importance, squad depth and adaptability will be key to sustaining momentum.
Broos, already navigating the challenges of a demanding qualification schedule, must now rely on Monyane to step into a pivotal role. The new Kaizer Chiefs defender will be tasked not only with reinforcing the backline but also with injecting fresh energy into a team facing one of the continent’s strongest sides.
For Mobbie, the setback is a cruel twist after his consistent contributions to the national team. The defender’s recovery is expected to take time, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future. His absence underlines the unpredictability and physical toll of international football.
Match Information – Nigeria v South Africa
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Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
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Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Africa, Round 9)
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Notable Change: Thabiso Monyane replaces injured Nyiko Mobbie
The clash in Nigeria promises to be a decisive chapter in South Africa’s qualification journey. For Monyane, it is an unexpected opportunity to prove his value on one of the biggest stages, while for Bafana Bafana, the focus will be on overcoming adversity to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
