South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has urged his players not to underestimate Nigeria or Lesotho as Bafana Bafana prepare for two decisive fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
Broos’ side sit top of Group C with 13 points from six games, holding a five-point cushion over Rwanda and Benin.
Nigeria's Super Eagles, who were tipped as pre-tournament favourites, are languishing in fourth with just seven points after winning only once in six matches.
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’s defining clash.
Only the winners of each group are guaranteed a ticket to the World Cup in North America.
While the Super Eagles’ struggles have surprised many, Broos warned his squad against complacency.
“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,” Broos said as per Iol.
“Even though they started badly, they can still qualify.
“The 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.”
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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.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Hannover 96 star Okon made his Bafana Bafana debut at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year and could line up against his father’s homeland next month.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gwTiEiZ8FR
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025
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.
Victory against Lesotho would move South Africa closer to sealing qualification, while a win over Nigeria would all but confirm their World Cup spot.
For the Super Eagles, who host Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to Bloemfontein, success in South Africa is non-negotiable if they are to keep their fading qualification hopes alive.
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.
