By Idayat Sanni
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have declared that today’s match against South Africa in Bloemfontein is their toughest yet in the pursuit of a return to the FIFA World Cup, having missed the previous edition in Qatar.
Previously, Nigeria had missed out on the 2022 World Cup ticket to Ghana on the away-goal rule, after playing a goalless draw in Cape Coast and 1-1 in Abuja in their final qualifying matches.
That failure marked the Super Eagles’ second absence from the Mundial, the first being when they failed to top Group 4, which included Algeria, Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
Nigeria currently holds the third position with 10 points in Group C of the current campaign, behind South Africa (first with 16 points) and the Benin Republic (11 points).
In other to be at the 2026 World Cup to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Super Eagles must beat South Africa and win their remaining two games against Lesotho and Benin.
Speaking ahead of the game yesterday, Chukwueze, who is to play a part in the game, boasted
He said: “We are Nigerians and we don’t fear anybody.”Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, is also optimistic that Nigeria will triumph despite the anticipated hostile South African crowd.
The South Africa-based goalkeeper noted that Bafana Bafana must be doing something right to be at the top of the group.
However, he expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability, saying: “Any country that plays against Nigeria comes with its A-game because they know what a victory over us would mean for their reputation. But believe me, I am confident we are going to win this match.”
The match is slated for 5pm Nigerian time on Tuesday.
