2026 World Cup Qualifier: South Africa will overcome Nigeria obstacle – Khumalo

By Saheed Afolabi

Former South Africa international, Doctor Khumalo is optimistic of the Bafana Bafana defeating Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers coming up this simmer.

The Hugo Broos tutored side had a remarkable run in the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) as they eliminated tournament favourites, Morocco and went on to clinch the third place position in Ivory Coast.

Khumalo believes the South Africa team still have the chance to qualify for the World Cup and should be given the support to continue with Broos, stressing that he’s confident South Africa can triumph over the Super Eagles.

“For them to qualify, let’s not dismantle it; it’s not yet broken. So, let’s give Hugo [South Africa coach] support,” Khumalo was quoted by SABC News. 

“Helman and the background staff, and the boys, let’s allow them to continue the way they did in Ivory Coast.

“I would like to believe that Nigeria is in our group, but from what I have seen in Ivory Coast, I can bet all my money that SA can overcome that obstacle.”

Nigeria and South Africa share the same World Cup qualifying group with Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Republic of Benin.

The Super Eagles have only two points from their first two games, while the Bafana Bafana have three points from two matches.

Both sides played a 1-1 draw at the semifinal of the 2023 AFCON Nigeria triumphing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.