W/Cup qualifier: Super Eagles will bounce back — South Africa coach

South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos has tipped Nigeria’s Super Eagles to rediscover their winning form when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in March, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles have endured a frustrating start to their qualification campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches.

They drew against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic. That poor run has left Nigeria with just three points — four behind joint group leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin.

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With only the top team securing automatic qualification, Nigeria sit second from bottom in the six-team group and must start winning immediately to stay in contention.

To turn things around, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, who led Mali to the quarterfinals of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle inherits a squad brimming with attacking firepower, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Bafana Bafana boss Broos believes the Super Eagles still have what it takes to mount a comeback.
“I am surprised that Nigeria are four points behind us because they have too much quality,” Broos said.

“I believe they will come back by the next window (March).
“All the teams in our group are still in the running (to qualify for the World Cup).”

Nigeria will be desperate for wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month, while hoping South Africa slip up in their own matches.

Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho on March 17 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before taking on Benin Republic at the same venue, where the Cheetahs will be the designated home team.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad. From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.