Extra Time: Michael Madyira writes that Bafana Bafana will only have themselves to blame if they do not qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
When the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw was made, it was scary to see Nigeria in Group C with South Africa.
Naturally, the Super Eagles came into the group as favourites.
They were seen as Bafana Bafana’s toughest challenger in their bid to return to the global competition.
Other Group C members, such as Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, were never viewed as serious threats to Bafana’s ambitions, although they were not underrated.
However, the campaign was advantageous for Hugo Broos and his men.
Nigeria has been struggling, something South Africa can fully take advantage of.
The Super Eagles did not taste victory in their first four Group C matches after returning from behind to salvage a point in the 1-1 home draw with Lesotho.
A similar 1-1 result against a regenerated Zimbabwe followed in Rwanda, where they had to claw back into the contest again to save themselves.
Then, yet again, Nigeria trailed to force a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana in their own backyard last Friday.
But they fell to their lowest ebb in these qualifiers on Monday when Benin edged them 2-1.
That just shows how the three-time African champions have been shambolic in their World Cup campaign, settling fifth on the table with three points from four outings.
Bafana should take advantage of this golden opportunity presented to them by one of the continent’s most feared sides.
South Africa is second in this group with seven points, the same as leaders Rwanda and third-placed Benin.
They have four points more than the Super Eagles, which is something they need to protect in their remaining six games.
With Nigeria’s fortunes having waned – although they can still come back – Bafana will have only themselves to blame if they fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena in action against Nigeria.
Source: Bafana Bafana
