Fulham’s summer signing, Samuel Chukwueze, is confident the Super Eagles can breathe further vitality into their pursuit for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket by overcoming South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles kept their hopes of avoiding a second consecutive absence from the World Cup alive by grinding out a 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday. They are now looking to reduce the six point deficit at the summit to just three when they clash with Bafana on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Chukwueze, who was an unused substitute in the victory over Amavubi expressed total confidence in the Super Eagles and even went as far as assuring Nigerians of a World Cup berth come 2026.

“South Africa is a strong team. They are top of the group, but we are Nigerians and we have a good team also, so we can compete with them. By the grace of God we want a good result here. The most important thing is to come here and win and we’re really focused on that.”
“We will be at the World Cup, it’s a hundred percent sure. But we just need all Nigerians to support us, not just one person rooting for us. It’s up to us to make it because I believe in this team and we have so many great talents. We just have to qualify, that’s the most important thing.”
Super Eagles shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali, who plays his club football in South Africa, also echoed Chukwueze’s confidence.

“We have a strong squad to match any country. I don’t see it [facing South Africa] as a really big thing to us, but I know we respect them. They are doing well, even topping the group. But I feel like even if it’s going to be a tough game tomorrow, we’re going to come out strong. I really feel like we’re going to win that game.”
With so much at stake for the Super Eagles, it promises to be a nerve-wracking encounter at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein come Tuesday.