South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has cautioned his players against underestimating the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier next month.
The Bafana Bafana boss, who guided his team to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has his side sitting on top of Group C with 13 points from six matches. But with two critical fixtures coming up in September – against Lesotho and Nigeria – Broos stressed that focus and discipline will be essential if South Africa are to maintain their lead.
South Africa on top but wary of rivals
Bafana Bafana will first host Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday, 5 September, before welcoming Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Bloemfontein’s Toyota Stadium four days later. Broos is particularly wary of the threat posed by the Nigerians, despite their inconsistent start to the qualifiers.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing South Africa by six. However, Broos believes the three-time African champions are still very much alive in the qualification race.
“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,” Broos said in an interview quoted by South African outlet IOL. “Even though they started badly, they can still qualify. They have the players, the pedigree and the experience. If we take them lightly, we will be punished.”
Lessons from Lesotho
Before the showdown with Nigeria, South Africa face what some may see as a more straightforward task against Lesotho. But Broos was quick to remind his squad that Lesotho have already proved capable of frustrating top opposition.
“The biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho,” the Belgian coach explained. “Remember this Lesotho team held Nigeria to a draw in Nigeria. We must not make the mistake of underestimating them. We beat Lesotho before, so we must beat them again.”
That warning reflects Broos’ desire to keep his side grounded. With confidence running high after recent victories, the coach is determined to ensure his players remain focused on each game in turn, avoiding complacency at a critical stage of qualifying.
Nigeria’s precarious position
For Nigeria, the clash in Bloemfontein represents a chance to revive their campaign after a stuttering start. The Super Eagles have endured a difficult period since their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat earlier in the year, struggling with injuries, inconsistency and managerial upheaval.
With just seven points from six matches, they have little margin for error. A defeat in South Africa would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while a win could reignite their push for a ticket to the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria’s squad still boasts attacking quality with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, while Wilfred Ndidi anchors the midfield. Broos knows their individual quality can change matches in an instant.
Group C finely balanced
As the qualification campaign enters its final stretch, Group C remains finely poised. South Africa lead with 13 points, closely followed by two other contenders in second and third place. Nigeria, though fourth, remain mathematically in contention.
Only the group winner will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while second place will advance to the intercontinental play-offs. This raises the stakes for every point, particularly for South Africa, who are seeking a first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.
High stakes in Bloemfontein
The meeting between South Africa and Nigeria on 9 September is expected to draw a full house at the Toyota Stadium, with anticipation already building. Both nations share a rich history of fierce encounters, from Africa Cup of Nations finals to World Cup qualifiers.
For Broos and Bafana Bafana, the goal is simple: defend their lead and edge closer to qualification. For Nigeria, the task is to salvage their campaign and prove they remain a force on the continent.
What is certain is that all eyes will be on Bloemfontein when two of Africa’s heavyweights collide in what could prove a decisive moment on the road to 2026.
