'If we don't do stupid things' - Hugo Broos confident Bafana Bafana can beat Nigeria to WC ticket

Published: March 26, 2025

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is confident that his side can beat Nigeria and other rivals to top spot in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In the race for World Cup qualification, South Africa have a five-point advantage over nearest challengers Rwanda, with Nigeria in fourth place with seven points after matchday six.

Bafana Bafana beat Gernot Rohr's Cheetahs on Tuesday evening with Burnley forward Lyle Foster opening the scoring in the 53rd minute and Jayden Adams heading home with six minutes left to wrap up the points.

South Africa, currently sitting on 13 points in the provisional standings, risk losing three points due to an administrative error.

Having picked up two yellow cards, 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star Teboho Mokoena was supposed to serve a one-match ban and should not have been included in the starting lineup in the 2-0 win against Lesotho last Friday.

Hugo Broos has urged his team to remain focused and avoid costly mistakes as they navigate the final stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Despite their strong position in the group, the Belgian tactician emphasized that qualification is far from secured.

In quotes relayed by Sowetan Live, he said: "We have to be confident and not be afraid of anybody that plays against us.

"The only thing we can do is to continue working hard like we've been doing. We must not think that everything is already done.

"We're already in a good position but I think with the group that we're in, if we don't do stupid things, we are very close to qualification."

The Super Eagles will look to reduce the points deficit against group leaders South Africa when they meet in a crucial showdown in September 2025.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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