Only the ‘stupid things’ can prevent South Africa from defeating Nigeria – Broos

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos is confident that his team can finish the top of group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, provided they maintain their current impulse and avoid expensive errors, especially against direct rivals such as Nigeria.

South Africa strengthened their qualification hopes with a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic, moving them 13 points after six games.

The result puts five points ahead of Rwanda and six free from Nigeria, who feel fourth after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.

Despite sitting comfortably at the top, South Africa’s position could be under threat due to administrative supervision.

The midfielder Teboho Mokoena, an outstanding artist in the 2023 Africa Cup of Africa, should have served a suspension of a match after accumulating two yellow cards.

However, it was included by error in the initial XI during his victory over Lesotho. If the FIFA penalizes the infraction, Bafana Bafana could docked three points.

Even so, Broos remains focused on what is coming. The Belgian coach insists that his team must remain punished and not assume his current advantage.

“We have to have confidence and not be afraid of anyone who plays against us,” Broos told Sowetan Live. “All we can do is continue working hard as we have been doing. We should not think that everything is already done.

“We are already in a good position, but I think that with the group we are in, if we do not do stupid things, we are very close to the qualification.”

The road to the World Cup will reach a decisive moment in September 2025 when South Africa is host of Nigeria in what could be a group of group decision.

Super Eagles, currently following and under pressure, cannot afford to leave more points and will need a victory of the statement to keep their qualification hopes alive.