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2025 WCQ: Ekong Confident Ahead of Bafana Bafana Clash

Posted : 09 September 2025

Captain William Ekong has assured that the Super Eagles will play with confidence and composure when they face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Bloemfontein.

 

The defender, who was named Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, stressed that Nigeria will not dwell on their penalty shootout victory over South Africa in the tournament’s semi-final.

 

“We defeated them at the Africa Cup, but that is in the past, and both teams have made changes since then,” Ekong said. “Our approach will be level-headed; we will go all out for victory. There will be no arrogance, but we will not be diffident either. South Africa is a strong team that we respect, but our focus is to play our game. Our objective remains unchanged—we want to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals next year.”

 

Coach Eric Chelle added that he will field his strongest lineup from the opening whistle at the Toyota Stadium. “We have come here to fight for three points, so we will send out the team that can get the job done. Beating Rwanda was important, but we must conquer here to strengthen our position in the qualification race,” he said.

 

Despite a slow start to the campaign, Chelle has accumulated seven points from three games and believes his squad has the ability to overcome Bafana Bafana. After the official training session on Monday, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi, encouraged the team to play with courage and determination.

 

“I am confident we will win, and many South Africans share that belief. Play with confidence, courage, and refuse to be intimidated. Just as the Super Falcons returned to the Olympics after 16 years, I see you reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.

 

Head-to-Head:
Nigeria and South Africa have faced each other 13 times, with the Super Eagles winning six, drawing six, and losing only once.

 

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