Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has pledged that Nigeria will fight for maximum points when they face South Africa in Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, stressed that past results including Nigeria’s penalty shootout win over Bafana Bafana in the semi-finals of that competition will not influence their mindset.
“We defeated them at the Africa Cup, but that is history. Both teams have made changes since then. Our approach will be humble but determined; no arrogance, no fear. South Africa are a strong side we respect, but our goal is clear: to qualify for the FIFA World Cup next year,” Ekong said.
Head coach Eric Chelle echoed the captain’s sentiment, confirming that Nigeria would field their strongest possible XI from the start at the Toyota Stadium.
“We came here for three points, nothing less. Rwanda was important, but South Africa is just as crucial. We have to win here to be in a good position,” Chelle stated.
Despite Nigeria’s slow start to the qualifiers, Chelle has collected seven points from his first three matches in charge and believes his squad has the quality to overturn the group standings and overtake Bafana Bafana.
After the team’s final training session at the Toyota Stadium on Monday, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Tope Ajayi, urged the players to deliver their best performance.
“I am confident of victory. Even many South Africans believe Nigeria will win. Play with courage and confidence, and don’t be intimidated,” Ajayi told the squad. “Just as I told the Super Falcons they would return to the Olympics after 16 years and they did, I see you qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. in Nigeria).
