D-Day has finally arrived, and for Bafana Bafana, it’s all or nothing at the Mbombela Stadium tonight, but with an eye on Uyo.
To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa must beat Rwanda at 18:00, and pray Nigeria do them a massive favour by stopping Benin.
If the Super Eagles’ words are anything to go by, Mzansi might just get that wish.
BAFANA BAFANA COUNTING ON NIGERIA AGAINST BENIN
Ahead of facing group C leaders Benin, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, and his captain, Troost-Ekong, have spoken with fire and conviction ahead of their clash.
“We have to win this game tomorrow. I have to put my mind into tomorrow’s game; we must win and nothing more. We want to go to the World Cup. I am very happy, very excited. Sometimes, we may be a little nervous,” Chelle said via Punch.
Team captain Troost-Ekong backed his coach’s promise, saying his teammates are ready to make their mark on the continent. “There are players here who want to make names for themselves, and those who will want their names to go down well in history,” the veteran central defender said.
“So, they are fully prepared and will play to win. Tomorrow [tonight] may not be 100 per cent in our hands, but we try to do our best and win the match,” Troost-Ekong added.
PERMUTATIONS FOR THE SUPER EAGLES
For Nigeria to qualify automatically, they must defeat Benin and hope Bafana Bafana fail to beat Rwanda in Mbombela.
If South Africa win, the Super Eagles will still need a big victory to edge the group on goal difference.
Also read: SABC to televise Bafana Bafana’s biggest match in over 20 years