'Nigeria is playing on Saturday' – Broos urges Bafana Bafana to seize their chance, banking on fans

There are big questions surrounding the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the three-time African champions six points adrift of group leaders South Africa after dropping valuable points in matches they were widely expected to win.

By the time Nigeria step onto the turf of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo for their matchday seven clash against Rwanda, they could be staring at a nine-point deficit as South Africa are scheduled to host Lesotho in Bloemfontein a day earlier.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called on his players to make the most of their World Cup qualifying opportunity, stressing the importance of securing victory against Lesotho before Nigeria take to the field this weekend.

Broos highlighted the need for South Africa to collect maximum points in order to pile pressure on their Group C rivals.

"We will try to beat Lesotho, it’s important that we can do that tomorrow, we put pressure on the other opponents," the Belgian tactician said at Thursday's pre-match press conference. 

"Nigeria is playing on Saturday so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands."

While South Africa will be the designated ‘away’ side in today's clash, with Lesotho playing their home fixtures in South Africa, Broos noted the crucial role supporters can play, particularly with Nigeria looming on the horizon.

"We are not hosts, it’s Lesotho who play at home in South Africa, but certainly the game against Nigeria, I said it before, there's a crowd behind you as a team you can always do more.

"You always have weak moments in a game, and then you need that crowd, and let’s hope they are there tomorrow to support us, but also certainly next Tuesday because we will need it."

Nigeria are set to face Rwanda (September 6) and South Africa (September 9) in a crucial double-header, with defeat in either match potentially dealing a fatal blow to the Super Eagles' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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