​

Renowned South African football figure Doctor Khumalo asserts his confidence in Bafana Bafana securing a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup over Nigeria, according to a report by soccernet

Both teams find themselves in Group C of the qualifiers, facing stiff competition from Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and the Benin Republic. Despite Nigeria's formidable football history, boasting six World Cup appearances and three continental championships, their journey in the qualifiers began with less-than-stellar performances, drawing against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

South Africa, while slightly more successful, earned three points from victories over Benin and a loss to Rwanda. The narrative gained momentum following their encounter in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, where Nigeria emerged victorious on penalties. Undeterred, South Africa demonstrated resilience, securing a bronze medal in the third-place faceoff against DR Congo.

As anticipation builds for their June rematch, Khumalo expresses optimism about South Africa's potential success. He calls for unwavering support for coach Hugo Broos and the team, declaring confidently, "I can bet all my money that SA can overcome that obstacle," referring to Nigeria.

Adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers are the recent struggles of Nigeria, currently ranked as the third-best team in Africa. Khumalo's belief in South Africa's ability to overcome challenges adds an element of excitement to the narrative.