Super Eagles stars Samuel Chukwueze and Stanley Nwabali have expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Nigeria will face Group C leaders Bafana Bafana in a must-win encounter at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The Super Eagles head into the tie after a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, while South Africa defeated neighbours Lesotho 3-0 in their last outing.
According to The Observer, a victory for South Africa would bring them closer to their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010—while also ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Nwabali and Chukwueze Back Super Eagles to Qualify
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the team arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening and will hold a training session at the Toyota Stadium on Monday. However, striker Victor Osimhen will miss the clash due to injury.
Speaking to NFF TV, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and winger Samuel Chukwueze said they were fully confident of victory.
Chukwueze declared:
“South Africa is a strong team, and we respect them, but we are Nigeria, and we also have a great team. We can compete with them, and by God’s grace, we’ll get a good result here.
The most important thing is to win. We are 100% sure we will qualify for the World Cup, but we need Nigerians to support us. I believe in this team—we have so much talent, and qualifying is non-negotiable.”
Nwabali, who plays in South Africa for Premier Soccer League side Chippa United, echoed similar confidence.
“I feel like we have a very strong squad capable of matching any country. We respect South Africa; they are topping the group and doing well. But I believe tomorrow will be a different game, and we will come out strong.”
Different Game Plan Against South Africa
The Chippa United captain admitted that Nigeria’s approach would differ from their match against Rwanda.
“Every game has its own plan. You might watch them against Lesotho, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe, but when it comes to Nigeria, it’s always a different approach. Likewise, when other countries play Nigeria, they prepare differently.
It’s going to be a tough game, but I strongly believe we are going to win,” Nwabali said.
Ekong Defends Nwabali
Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong defended Nwabali following criticism over his controversial time-wasting tactics against Rwanda.
Some fans had questioned the goalkeeper’s theatrics, especially after he picked up a yellow card during the match. But Ekong stood by his teammate, stressing that Nwabali’s game management was part of football at the highest level.
