2026 WCQ: Bafana Bafana captain, Nkota warns teammates ahead Super Eagles clash on Tuesday

Femi Fabunmi 

South Africa midfielder, Mohau Nkota has admitted that Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria will be anything but easy, insisting the Super Eagles remain a formidable opponent.

Hugo Broos’ men are set to welcome Nigeria to the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein as both sides continue their battle for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their first meeting in Uyo ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leaving Group C wide open.

Bafana Bafana currently lead the group with 16 points and need a win to secure early qualification for the global showpiece. However, defeat could push Nigeria closer to missing out on the tournament for a second successive edition.

Nkota, speaking to Sowetan Live, acknowledged Nigeria’s quality but stressed the importance of teamwork for his side.

“It is never easy against them because they are a talented team and we will be ready on Tuesday. It is all about teamwork; if we work together as a team we can succeed against them,” the midfielder said.

Clashes between the two African heavyweights have historically been tightly contested, and Tuesday’s encounter is expected to follow the same pattern, with both nations under immense pressure to deliver.