South Africa, not Nigeria, under pressure in World Cup clash – Udeze

Former Nigerian defender Ifeanyi Udeze believes the pressure will be much more on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana when they face the Super Eagles in Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria head into the clash on the back of a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, a result that revived their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ahead of the tie, the former Super Eagles left-back reckons Hugo Broos’ men carry the heavier burden.

“For me, South Africa have more to worry about than Nigeria,” Udeze told Brila FM. “They are at home, they know they’re leading the group, and don’t forget the three-point deduction issue still hanging over them. All of this puts them under more pressure than our boys.”

Udeze urged the Nigerian players to approach the fixture as a collective unit and seize the opportunity to cut down Bafana Bafana’s advantage.

One major concern for Nigeria is the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury in the game against Rwanda, but Udeze insists the team still has options in attack.

“This is another chance for Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers to show they can deliver when it matters. With Osimhen sidelined, they must step up and prove they are reliable replacements,” he added.

The highly anticipated encounter in South Africa promises to be decisive, with both teams battling not just for three points but also for control at the top of Group C.