Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained how Nigeria will help his side qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos' troops climbed to the top of their World Cup qualifying group after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday in Polokwane.
Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams sealed the win, South Africa's third in five matches (along with one draw and one loss).
Broos has highlighted the importance of Nigeria's remaining fixtures for his team's qualification hopes.
He believes a resurgent Nigeria will be determined to win their remaining games, and if they can take points off other teams in the group, it will significantly boost South Africa's chances, provided they maintain their winning form.
BROOS ON QUALIFYING FOR WORLD CUP – ‘IT’S UP TO US’
“You know, I said a few days ago that there’s a team or a country in the group who can help us a lot and it is Nigeria,” said Broos as quoted by FARPost.
“You saw that beat Rwanda today. They can’t afford to lose points. So, against every team, they will do everything to win.
“And for the moment, we are four points ahead of Nigeria. So, it’s up to us to do what we have to do.
“And when we do what we have to do, Nigeria will help us, you will see. The situation is good at the moment, it’s up to us to keep that situation and certainly next Tuesday [against Benin] not do stupid things Ivory Coast.”
