Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle has underlined the Super Eagles’ determination to defeat South Africa in September, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle is convinced that victory against the Bafana Bafana is non-negotiable if the Super Eagles are to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa by six points with just four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
Bafana Bafana currently sit atop the group with 13 points after six games, having strengthened their position with back-to-back wins over Lesotho and Benin Republic in March.
Nigeria, meanwhile, managed a crucial 2-0 away victory against Rwanda but was left frustrated after a 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe.
Those results have put added pressure on Chelle’s side to secure maximum points in their upcoming fixtures—first at home to Rwanda in Uyo, before a decisive showdown against South Africa away.
While Chelle remains focused on the immediate task against Rwanda, he is fully aware of the significance of the South Africa clash.
“It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle told SCORENigeria.
“South Africa are a good side, but for that game we cannot afford to allow them play. But first, we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.”
The Super Eagles have a history of intense battles with Bafana Bafana.
In their most recent encounter in June 2024, Nigeria fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in Uyo thanks to a well-taken equalizer by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.