South Africa boss Broos predicts tough challenge ahead of Super Eagles World Cup Qualifier

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has predicted a tough match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria despite their sluggish start to the 2026 World Cup Qualifying series. 

 

Broos who named his final 23-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, issued a firm warning about the danger posed by the West African heavyweights.

The two fixtures will be staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

South Africa first take on Lesotho on 5 September, before hosting eternal-rivals Nigeria just four days later on 9 September, in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the qualifiers.

 

Broos stressed that his players must remain vigilant, especially after Lesotho recently held Nigeria to a draw away from home. “The biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho,” he cautioned. “We beat Lesotho before, so we must beat them again.”

Turning his attention to Nigeria, the Belgian tactician admitted that, despite their underwhelming campaign so far, the Super Eagles remain the biggest threat in the group. “We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria, and even though they started badly, they can still qualify,” Broos remarked.

South Africa currently sit comfortably at the top of Group C with 13 points from six matches, five points clear of second-placed Rwanda and well ahead of Benin in third.

Nigeria, meanwhile, occupy a disappointing fourth position with just seven points, but Broos insists that their pedigree makes them dangerous opponents, though football faithfuls in Nigeria believe a victory over South Africa will boost Nigeria’s chances of qualifying while they await FIFA to dock three points form South Africa point accumulation due to fielding an ineligible player in one of their qualifying match.

Notable absentees from the squad include defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi and Grant Kekana, both sidelined through injury. Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala is the only representative from the Soweto giants in the squad.

With two crucial fixtures looming, Broos and his team know that victories would not only strengthen their qualification hopes but also boost national pride as South Africa edges closer to a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.