National Teams
2026 WCQ: Stanley Nwabali downplays South Africa threats to Nigeria in Uyo
By Wale Mustapha
First-choice goalkeeper of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Stanley Nwabali, is confident in the team’s quality as they prepare to face South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
Nigeria and South Africa will renew their rivalry in Matchday Three of the qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles previously triumphed over the Bafana Bafana at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, winning on penalties. Currently, Hugo Broos’ side is ahead of Nigeria in the standings, having garnered three points from their matches compared to two for the Super Eagles.
Nwabali is insistent that the three-time AFCON winners have the quality needed to finish top of their group.
“Football is the same everywhere, but I don’t feel that with the kind of players we have, we can have any challenge in any game, especially in our group. But you cannot predict football,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks.
“Talking about South African players, I would say I know them. We have good players in our country too, so I’m not talking about those guys; they are good in their own way of playing.
“I’m not talking about them because if we can put ourselves together, they cannot match us,” Nwabali concluded confidently.
The Super Eagles are determined to secure a victory and improve their standing in the group as they aim for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
