South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will regain their form and return to winning ways when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume next month.
The three-time African champions have endured a poor start to their qualifying campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches. They settled for draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic. With just three points, Nigeria currently sits second from bottom in the six-team group, trailing leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin by four points.
With only the group winner securing automatic qualification, the Super Eagles are in a precarious position and must start winning immediately to keep their hopes alive.
In an effort to turn things around, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, who previously led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, ahead of their crucial matches, Nigeria faces injury concerns, with key players William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika all doubtful. Despite these setbacks, Chelle has a squad filled with attacking talent, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Broos remains convinced they will bounce back.
“I am surprised that Nigeria is four points behind us because they have too much quality,” Broos told ScoreNigeria. “I believe they will come back in the next window. All the teams in our group are still in the race for World Cup qualification.”
Nigeria’s road to redemption begins next month with must-win matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, South Africa will host Lesotho on March 17 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before facing Benin Republic at the same venue, where the Cheetahs will be the designated home team.
As the Super Eagles fight to get back on track, they will be hoping for a turnaround in their performances—and a slip-up from their rivals—to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
