The Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, is confident they can get a positive result when they face the Super Eagles in Nigeria next month in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The last time these two teams met, Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The last time South Africa played against the Super Eagles in Nigeria they beat them 2-0 back in 2017 when they were still coached by Stuart Baxter.

Williams said they take confidence from their AFCON semi against the Super Eagles and there is no reason why they can’t put up a repeat performance from seven years ago.

“The last time we were there, we beat them 2-0 and I was a part of that squad,” said Williams.

“I'll share my experiences with the players, and obviously we’ve gained valuable experience at AFCON and by playing against Nigeria as well. I do feel that the semi-final against Nigeria was one of our better games in the AFCON.

“So it's possible, you know, to go out and get a result again, why not? We've shown that we can compete with the best now.

“We just need to show that consistency going forward.”

Nigeria and Bafana will lock-horns on 7 June in the first qualifier. On 11 June, Bafana, will face Zimbabwe in the second qualifier that will be played in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport