South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will regain their form and get back to winning ways when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume next month.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, have had a frustrating start to their qualifying campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches. The team drew against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shocking 2-1 loss to Benin Republic. This poor run has left them with just three points, four points behind group leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin.
With only the top team securing automatic qualification for the World Cup, Nigeria is in a difficult position, currently second from bottom in the six-team group. To keep their qualification hopes alive, they must start winning immediately.
In an effort to turn things around, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, who led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the team faces injury concerns ahead of the crucial matches, with key players William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika doubtful for selection. Despite these setbacks, Nigeria still boasts an attacking lineup featuring Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Broos remains confident in their ability to bounce back.
“I am surprised that Nigeria is four points behind us because they have too much quality,” Broos told ScoreNigeria. “I believe they will come back by the next window (March). All the teams in our group are still in the running to qualify for the World Cup.”
Nigeria’s bid for a turnaround begins next month with crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, where wins will be vital to keep their qualification hopes alive. Meanwhile, South Africa will host Lesotho on March 17 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before facing Benin Republic at the same venue, where Benin will be the designated home team.
The Super Eagles will be hoping for a resurgence in form while also counting on their rivals to slip up as they fight to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
