Former Super Eagles Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has expressed optimism that the three-time African Champions will conquer South Africa ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
Onazi in an exclusive interview with Afrosport however, acknowledged that the game will be tough but believes Nigeria has an edge heading into the game.
He said “Nigeria versus South Africa is not always an easy match, it’s like a derby match, I have encountered them in the past and it’s always a very intensive match, but I believe Nigeria is going to beat South Africa this time because we have the edge against them, even when we met at the AFCON we won them”
“I don’t see us having any issues qualifying for the World Cup because we have everything in check, I believe coach Finidi George is in line with the team to do so that they can win every game needed to qualify for the World Cup.”
🇳🇬Nigeria 🆚 🇿🇦 South Africa battle in the FIFA 2026 world cup QUALIFIERS.
Who will come out on top?🤔🟠 Watch for FREE on AfrosportTV: https://t.co/rWFKXUumfB#Afrosport #SuperEagles #BafanaBafana #FIFA #worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/rRkbdmtouh
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) June 6, 2024
The Super Eagles are currently third in Group C of the qualifiers behind Rwanda and Benin Republic who have four points each.
Benin Republic pipped Rwanda 1-0 on Thursday.
Onazi was part of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations winning squad in 2013 in South Africa and was also at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where the Super Eagles got to the round of 16.
