Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for Chippa United, has stressed that South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, does not match up to the caliber of the Super Eagles as they look ahead to their 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The two teams are set to face off on the third Matchday of the qualifiers, in a rematch that echoes their clash in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles preparing to go head-to-head against South Africa.
South African captain Hugo Bros fielded a dream team of DStv Premiership players and African giants Mamelodi Sandowns also contributed nine players.
Unlike his counterparts, Finidi George has given call-ups to ten players from top-five European League clubs, including Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyebeneka, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Victor Bonita, and Terem Moffi.
Nwabali is confident that Nigeria’s superior players will give them a decisive advantage over South Africa in their upcoming match. “We have an incredible roster of talent that I believe will overwhelm our opponents,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks on 91.3 FM. “Football may be the same game everywhere, but with the caliber of players we have, I don’t foresee any real challenges, especially within our group.”
However, Nwabali tempered his enthusiasm with a note of caution. “You can never fully predict the outcome of a football match,” he said. “South Africa is a formidable opponent, and we will need to be at the top of our game to emerge victorious.”
The clash between these two powerhouses is sure to be a thrilling spectacle, as Nigeria’s star-studded lineup takes on South Africa’s gritty and determined squad. Fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting the showdown, knowing that the result could have significant implications for the tournament.
The much-anticipated Nigeria vs. South Africa match is set to take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. With both teams eager to showcase their skills and claim victory, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter that is sure to captivate football enthusiasts across the continent
