Nigeria World Cup qualification hopes remain alive, says South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who warns his team not to underestimate Lesotho or the Super Eagles

Nigeria World Cup qualification hopes remain alive, according to South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos, who has cautioned his players ahead of September’s decisive fixtures.

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Bafana Bafana currently top Group C of the African qualifiers with 13 points from six matches, holding a five-point lead over Rwanda and Benin.

Nigeria, however, sit in fourth place with only seven points, having managed just one win from their opening six games.

Despite the Super Eagles’ struggles, Broos insists they cannot be written off.

“We knew from the start that the team we had to beat is Nigeria,” Broos told Iol. “Even though they started badly, they can still qualify.”

South Africa will first face Lesotho on September 5 before hosting Nigeria four days later. Broos warned his squad not to underestimate Lesotho, recalling how the Crocodiles held Nigeria to a surprising draw in Uyo.

“The biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho. We beat them before, so we must beat them again,” he added.

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With Group C still open, analysts believe the clash between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles could prove decisive in shaping Nigeria World Cup qualification hopes.