South Africa coach Hugo Broos wary of Super Eagles’ threat

By Tosin Omojola –

South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, has named his squad for the doubleheader 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, admitting that the Super Eagles pose the biggest threat to his team.

Bafana Bafana will first host Lesotho on September 5 before facing Nigeria on September 9, with both matches scheduled for the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The September 9 clash is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the qualifiers, as it could prove decisive depending on earlier results.

While noting that Lesotho cannot be underrated, especially after holding Nigeria to a draw in Uyo, the Belgian tactician stressed that the Super Eagles remain the side to beat in the group.

“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria. Even though they started badly, they can still qualify,” Broos remarked.

South Africa currently lead Group C with 13 points from six matches, five points clear of second-placed Rwanda and ahead of Benin in third.

In contrast, Nigeria sit in fourth place with just seven points going into the next round of matches. Despite this, Broos insisted that the Super Eagles’ pedigree makes them dangerous opponents. Meanwhile, Nigerians believe that a victory over South Africa will revive their qualification hopes, while also counting on FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in one of their qualifying games.

Bafana Bafana squad: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndame, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teboho Mokoena, Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Mohau Nkota, Mduduzi Shabalala.