Samuel Chukwueze is confident the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite not being in pole position in Group C of the African qualifiers, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria are currently third, six points behind leaders South Africa whom they will face in Tuesday’s crunch encounter in Bloemfontein.
Chukwueze, who is currently on loan at Fulham from AC Milan, believes the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions will get maximum points against Bafana Bafana.
“South Africa is a strong team. They have a good team as well,” Chukwueze told the NFF media.
“They are first in the group but we are Nigerians and we have a good team also. So, we can compete with them. By the grace of God, I think we will win and get a good result here.
“The most important thing is for us to come here and win. We are really focused on that. We will be at the World Cup. It’s 100% sure.
“We all just need all Nigerians’ support. It’s not one person rooting for us. But it’s up to us to make it. I believe in this team. We have so many great talents. And we have to qualify. That’s the most important thing.”
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also echoed Chukwueze’s thoughts of coming out with the win, claiming the South Africans are not the favourites for the tie.
“I feel like we have a very strong squad to match any country. I don’t see them beating us. I know we respect them, but they are not favourites,” the Chippa United shot stopper stated.
“They are doing well, even topping the group, but I believe it is going to be a tough game tomorrow, and we will come out stronger.”
A massive showdown in Bloemfontein is on the horizon! 🦅#Naija4theWin #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/r8WPTRnIYh
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 8, 2025
The Super Eagles defeated Rwanda on Saturday and victory against South Africa will strengthen their quest to avoid failing to qualify for back-to-back World Cup tournaments for the first time since their debut in 1994.
Bafana could also potentially be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifier against neighbours Lesotho back in March.
