Bafana Bafana departed for Nigeria on Wednesday morning via a charter flight for their important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles in Uyo.

The team will enjoy their one and only training session in Nigeria on Thursday ahead of the crunch match in which they are aiming to secure at least a draw.

South Africa and Nigeria recently played in the AFCON semi-finals in a game which the Super Eagles winning 4-2 on penalties.

The Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, said they take confidence out of that performance against the Super Eagles in Ivory Coast.

“Qualifiers for the World Cup, everybody knows that every one of us wants to go and wants to qualify for the World Cup in 2026 but we are in front of two very tough games,” said Broos.

“First of all, Nigeria, finalist AFCON, players who are playing in the best competitions in Europe.

“We saw also what we can do against them in AFCON if we had a little bit of luck on our side. I think we were the best team in the semi-finals, we could have won that so we don't have to be afraid.

“The other game against Zimbabwe is different and a game between neighbours. I think Zimbabwe after the ban of AFCON last year, they have another team, with another coach.

“From that side, it will be a tough game but our goal is to be at least four and six points. I don't want to lose any of those two games.”

Friday night’s game in Uyo kicks off at 21:00. Next week Tuesday Bafana will face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport