WCQ: Favourites to Win Bafana Bafana vs Super Eagles Clash Named

WCQ: Favourites to Win Bafana Bafana vs Super Eagles Clash Named

  • South Africa will play host to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in one of their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September
  • Bafana Bafana currently sit on top of Group C with 13 points and could extend it to 19 points if they win their two games in the International break
  • A sports analyst while in an interview with Briefly News named the favourites to win the mouthwatering tie between both top African sides

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South Africa is set to host both Lesotho and Nigeria in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September 2025.

South Africa, Nigeria, World Cup.
South Africa and Nigeria are set to face in their next World Cup qualifiers in September. Photo: APP
Source: Getty Images

The most anticipated tie between the two games is against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. It is arguably the biggest game in this international break.

Hugo Broos released his 23-man Bafana Bafana squad to take part in both games and will be looking forward to securing all three points, especially against Nigeria.

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The first leg between both top African football nations ended in a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, and all eyes are on the second leg, set to be held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

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Favourites to win Bafana vs Nigeria WCQ

Nigerian sports journalist Michael Afolayan, in a chat with Briefly News, aired his views ahead of the top-notch clash between the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Despite being Nigerian, Afolayan admitted that Bafana Bafana is the favourite to win the tie, even with Nigeria's star-studded squad.

"Without bias, I think South Africa is the favourite to win this tie for various reasons, which are obvious to some of us," he said.
"Bafana Bafana have had a good run in the World Cup qualifiers so far compared to Nigeria's poor form and run.

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"South Africa tops the group and only needs to avoid defeat against Nigeria to put themselves in pole position for World Cup qualification.
"Another reason is that South Africa will be playing in front of their fans, which is a big motivation for them not to lose against us, their bitter rivals.
"I know a little of the SA league, and I know how strong it is compared to the NPFL. The majority of their players come from their league, and it's another added advantage for them."
Frank Onyeka, Teboho Mokoena, Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles.
Nigeria's midfielder Frank Onyeka fights for the ball with South Africa's midfielder Teboho Mokoena during football match between Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles. Photo: Issouf Sanogo
Source: Getty Images

Afolayan also believes that the Super Eagles cannot be written off despite their poor form in the World Cup qualifiers.

"That said, Nigeria shouldn't be written off. I am sure Broos is not even thinking it's going to be an easy tie.
"The Super Eagles have pulled off surprises before in World Cup qualifiers, and matches like these often ignore the form book, especially with South Africa being on top of Group C.

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"If the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi step up, the Super Eagles could rattle the favourites, even while playing in front of their fans."

Broos explains absence of Sundowns quartet

Briefly News also reported that Broos explained why four Sundowns stars were dropped from this Bafana Bafana final squad.

The Belgian tactician initially called up 48 players before trimming it down to 23.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.