“We’re motivated” – Super Eagle striker fired up ahead of South Africa clash, backs Nigeria to claim World Cup spot

Super Eagles and Leicester City striker, Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, has revealed the Nigerian Football team are well fired up for their World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old was part of the Nigerian U-17 team that won the FIFA World Cup at the United Arab Emirates in 2013, alongside Taiwo Awoniyi and Akindele Alampasu.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against South Africa, Iheanacho revealed the Super Eagles are fired up for their game against Bafana Bafana, alongside the rest of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

“We’re not just prepared but as well motivated to win, not just this game against South Africa but other games in the series. The AFCON has come and gone. We’ve put everything about it behind us. The World Cup ticket is what’s uppermost in our minds and we’re determined to face it squarely,” the former Manchester City forward said in quotes revealed by Complete Sports.

For Iheanacho, the three-time CAF Champions deserve to be on the biggest stage of World Football, starting with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We cannot afford to sit back and watch the next World Cup from the TV sets. No, we have to be there representing our country and the continent of Africa. To achieve this, we have to win our games, not only against South Africa but also against the other teams in the qualifiers,” the 2021 FA Cup winner added.

Three points for Finidi George’s men against South Africa will take Nigeria to five points from three qualifying games, one ahead of Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic.