They can still qualify - South Africa coach wary of confirms Nigeria's Super Eagles

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has revealed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria can still pick 2026 World Cup ticket.

Broos’ men currently top Group C with 13 points from six games, five clear of Rwanda and Benin.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, pre-tournament favourites, sit a disappointing fourth place with just seven points, having managed only one win so far.

South Africa will host Lesotho on September 5 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein before welcoming Nigeria four days later in a match that could decide the group’s outcome.

Only the winners of each group are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Broos cautioned his players against complacency as Bafana Bafana prepare for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria.

The 73-year-old Belgian tactician, however, stressed that despite Nigeria’s poor start, they remain dangerous opponents.

“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,” Broos told IOL.

He continued, “Even though they started badly, they can still qualify. The biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho. Remember this Lesotho team held Nigeria to a draw in Nigeria, so we must not make the mistake of underestimating them. We beat Lesotho before, so we must beat them again.”

The Belgian tactician also announced his 23-man squad, which includes Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon, who was eligible to represent Nigeria but chose South Africa. Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Okon made his senior debut at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year and could now face his father’s homeland.

A win over Lesotho would move South Africa closer to World Cup qualification, but defeating Nigeria could all but secure their spot at the global showpiece.

For Nigeria, who host Rwanda on September 6 in Uyo before travelling to Bloemfontein, anything less than victory against South Africa could end their fading qualification hopes.

With the group finely poised, the showdown between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles is shaping up to be a decisive battle for a World Cup ticket.