'Let's hope the gods are with us' - Bafana Bafana coach Broos prays for Benin slip-up against Nigeria

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says he is banking on divine intervention as his side eyes qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hoping Nigeria can defeat Benin in their crucial Group C encounter on Tuesday evening in Uyo.

Bafana Bafana sit second in the group with 15 points and must beat Rwanda while counting on Nigeria to overcome Benin to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Super Eagles, currently third on the log with 14 points, also need a two-goal-margin victory and a South African slip-up to advance.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of their final qualifier, the Belgian tactician urged his players to stay focused while admitting that their fate partly depends on the result of the Nigeria-Benin clash.

"We have to focus only on ourselves. Like Ronwen {Williams} said we can't change or decide what happened on the other side in Nigeria," Broos said.  

"So if we win we have to wait and see but I think that the things we all want and dream off can happen tomorrow."

Broos, who expressed disappointment with their draw against Zimbabwe, maintained confidence in his team’s readiness to deliver against Rwanda.

"We are ready for it. We are ready to play a good game because whatever you saw about the game in Zimbabwe it wasn't a bad game from my side."

While urging fans to rally behind his players, Broos expressed optimism that the outcome of the Nigeria-Benin clash would favour South Africa.

"We have to support the team and again I am sure that we will be ready tomorrow. And then hoping we can win, we are ready to win the game but we all know that cannot be enough," he added.  

"So let's hope at the other side that the gods are with us and see the results what everyone hopes in Nigeria and that's that Benin lose the game."

If South Africa qualify, it will mark their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.

However, if Nigeria fails to advance, it would be their third miss since their debut in 1994.

Adeyemi Adewale

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