National Teams
South Africa’s Hugo Broos: Nigeria still in contention for 2026 FIFA World Cup spot
By Wale Mustapha
South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, insists that the Super Eagles of Nigeria still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their shaky start to the campaign.
The Bafana Bafana currently top Group C with 13 points from six matches, six clear of Nigeria, who sit fourth on the log. Both sides will clash on September 9 in a decisive qualifier.
Broos cautioned his players against complacency, warning that both Nigeria and Lesotho remain dangerous opponents in the qualification race.
“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,” Broos told IOL.
“Even though they started badly, they can still qualify. The biggest mistake South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho.
“Remember, this Lesotho team held Nigeria to a draw in Nigeria, so we must not take them lightly. We beat Lesotho before, so we must beat them again.”
The outcome of next month’s fixtures could prove decisive in shaping Group C’s qualification picture as the race for North America 2026 heats up.
