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Super Eagles. Photo Credit: NFF Comms<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has urged his players not to underestimate Nigeria<\/a> or Lesotho as Bafana Bafana prepare for two decisive fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Broos\u2019 side sit top of Group C with 13 points from six games, holding a five-point cushion over Rwanda and Benin.<\/p>\n Nigeria’s Super Eagles<\/a>, who were tipped as pre-tournament favourites, are languishing in fourth with just seven points after winning only once in six matches.<\/p>\n South Africa face Lesotho on 5 September at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein before hosting Nigeria four days later in what could prove the group\u2019s defining clash.<\/p>\n Only the winners of each group are guaranteed a ticket to the World Cup in North America.<\/p>\n While the Super Eagles\u2019 struggles have surprised many, Broos warned his squad against complacency.<\/p>\n \u201cWe knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,\u201d Broos said as per Iol.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cEven though they started badly, they can still qualify.<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho. Remember this Lesotho team held Nigeria to a draw in Nigeria, so we must not make the mistake of underestimating them. We beat Lesotho before, so we must beat them again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The 73-year-old Belgian has also named a 23-man squad, including versatile defender Ime Okon, who was eligible to represent both Nigeria and South Africa.<\/a><\/p>\n Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Hannover 96 star Okon<\/a> made his Bafana Bafana debut at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year and could line up against his father\u2019s homeland next month.<\/p>\n Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport<\/a> #BafanaPride<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gwTiEiZ8FR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Kaizer Chiefs forward Mduduzi Shabalala is the only representative from the Soweto giants, while European-based players like Lyle Foster and Luke le Roux return to the fold.<\/p>\n Victory against Lesotho would move South Africa closer to sealing qualification, while a win over Nigeria would all but confirm their World Cup spot.<\/p>\n For the Super Eagles, who host Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to Bloemfontein<\/a>, success in South Africa is non-negotiable if they are to keep their fading qualification hopes alive.<\/p>\n With the group finely balanced, the clash between Bafana Bafana and Nigeria could determine who books a ticket to the biggest stage in world football.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/aOn4r3d01OMdFzbfFgXQr46eBCI=\/750x500\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Fimago1062623026.jpg\")
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