2026 WCQ: Semi Ajayi upbeats about Nigeria readiness for ‘difficult’ South Africa clash

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian defender, Semi Ajayi is anticipating a difficult outing against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa but confident that the Super Eagles to withstand it. 

The Super Eagles will be aiming to log in their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

The encounter will be a repeat of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, semi-final encounter, which the Super Eagles won 4-2 on penalties and Ajayi reckoned the Super Eagles are battle ready for the game.

“It will be a tough game, they gave us a tough game during the AFCON in Ivory Coast, so we ain’t gonna expect anything less this time,” Ajayi told Nigeriafootball.ng in Uyo. 

But definitely, we’re prepared for this and for sure, we’re going to get win that we need. But certainly, it isn’t gonna be easy.”

The game will kick-off at 8pm Nigerian time.