Exploit Nwabali weakness, dont fear Super Eagles - Former Orlando Pirates star tells South Africa how to beat Nigeria

Former Orlando Pirates star Thabo Mngomeni has urged Bafana Bafana not to fear Nigeria ahead of Tuesday’s important 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

He insisted that South Africa can hurt the Super Eagles if they remain bold and focused.

Speaking to KickOff, the retired Bafana midfielder stressed that intimidation should not be a factor when facing Nigeria, arguing that players must embrace the challenge if they hope to compete with the world’s best at the finals.

“Bafana players can't let themselves be intimidated by Nigeria playing at home in South Africa. If that’s the case, what will we do at the World Cup next year against big nations? At this stage of their careers, they can’t afford to be intimidated,” Mngomeni said.

The ex-midfielder also highlighted a key weakness in the Nigerian camp that Bafana must exploit, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who currently plays for struggling Chippa United in the PSL.

He added, “They must attack Nigeria. It comes down to motivation. Believe in yourselves. I don’t want to think about losing tomorrow because it could be the end for us.

“The players shouldn’t feel intimidated by Nwabali. Look where Chippa are on the log table – at the bottom. If Bafana players are seeking motivation, they should remember that Nwabali is the same goalkeeper they score against week in and week out in the PSL.”

South Africa lead Group C with 16 points, six points clear of third-placed Nigeria, who earned a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda at the weekend. Bafana themselves head into the tie full of confidence after a 3-0 triumph against Lesotho.