By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah made a return to Nigeria’s national team, playing 27 minutes in their 3-0 home win over Benin in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
Ndah replaced Fulham defender Calvin Bassey when Nigeria was leading 1-0, thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman. Lookman later scored again, and substitute Victor Osimhen added a third goal late in the match.
This was Ndah’s first appearance for the Super Eagles since January 2022, with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen giving him the opportunity.
“Whoever comes in, there’s an understanding. We have been training for one week,” said Eguavoen, as per AllNigeriaSoccer.
“Ndah is not new, he was here for the Afcon in Cameroon, so we have worked with him before and there’s that synergy. Whoever comes in, we want to give specific instructions: just go out and play.”
Ndah is hoping to see more action when Nigeria faces Rwanda on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, another Pirates player, Deon Hotto, played the full 90 minutes as Namibia lost 1-0 to Cameroon.
Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile struggled to find the net, despite playing the entire match.
Cape Town City’s Aprocius Petrus and Prins Tijueza also started for Namibia, along with Golden Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova and AmaZulu left-back Riaan Hanamub. Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua stayed on the bench.
In other matches, Angola defeated Ghana 1-0 with a late goal, though Kaizer Chiefs’ Inacio Miguel, Orlando Pirates’ Gilberto, and Cape Town City’s Carlinhos did not play.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
