South Africa striker Lyle Foster has turned up the heat ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, insisting that the real pressure rests on the chasing pack in Group C rather than on Bafana Bafana, Footynaija.com reports.
The 25-year-old forward, fresh from scoring in South Africa’s 3-0 victory over Lesotho last week, is in red-hot form after also finding the net for Burnley in the Premier League against Manchester United. His sharpness now makes him the focal point of South Africa’s attack at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 10 points, six behind South Africa who lead the table with 16. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the best runners-up will have to find their way through a playoff.
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“I do not necessarily think there is pressure on us. I think right now we are where we are in the group and that is positive. I think the pressure is on those trying to catch us,” Foster said in a report by OneFootball.
South Africa are on a three-match unbeaten run at home in these qualifiers, while Nigeria will have to cope without their star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against Rwanda. That absence means Chelle is likely to lean on Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon to lead the line in Bloemfontein.
Foster’s presence is a major tactical challenge. Standing at 1.85 metres, he is strong in the air, powerful in hold-up play, and ruthless in front of goal. Nigeria’s defence must remain fully alert to limit his impact.
Still, Foster has urged his teammates not to lose focus even with the six-point gap at the top.
“I think we just need to keep the same mentality and stay focused, keep playing game by game, stay humble and, as I said, take matches as they come. I think we have made a good start, but the most important thing is to keep pushing forward and make sure we seal the deal,” he concluded.
