Former South African footballer, Doctor Khumalo, remains upbeat the Bafana Bafana can overcome Super Eagles obstacle as they charge towards 2026 FIFA world cup ticket; npflupdates.com reports.
Nigeria will come up against South Africa in its next 2026 FIFA world cup qualifier fixture later this year. And Khumalo who saw Nigeria beat South Africa in the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON), insists that they can beat the three-time African champions.
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With six World Cup appearances and three AFCON championships in their trophy cabinet, the Super Eagles were the big favourites to finish top of their world cup qualifying group. And of course seal a spot at the upcoming FIFA world cup to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
However, the Super Eagles did not start the qualifiers in great form, drawing their first two games with the Crocodiles of Lesotho and Warriors of Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa were only slightly better, gaining three points from two games after beating Republic of Benin and losing to Rwanda.
When the two nations will meet again in June, the winner is set to gain an early advantage in the race to qualify for the World Cup.
While South Africa is looking to secure it’s first ever FIFA world cup qualification since 2002(the 2010 edition was automatic qualification as the host nation), Nigeria is seeks a seventh appearance.
Doctor Khumalo upbeat South Africa can beat Nigeria to 2026 W’Cup ticket
Khumalo is convinced that South Africa, have what it takes to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker has backed Hugo Broos and his team to find Nigeria a beatable foe in the qualifiers.
“For them to qualify, let’s not dismantle it; it’s not yet broken, so let’s give Hugo support,” Khumalo was quoted by Soccernet Nigeria.
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“Helman and the background staff and the boys, let’s allow them to continue the way they did in Ivory Coast.
“I would like to believe that Nigeria is in our group, but from what I have seen in Ivory Coast, I can bet all my money that SA can overcome that obstacle.”
Khumalo enjoyed some titles during his active days as a professional footballer.
