Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has admitted that South Africa are now hoping Nigeria can defeat Benin Republic in their final Group C fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
Broos made the statement after South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday, a result that dented their hopes of finishing top of the group.
The 73-year-old Belgian tactician said a win for Nigeria over Benin Republic would give South Africa a chance to reclaim first place — provided they beat Rwanda in their own final match.
“We now have to depend on Nigeria. If they can beat Benin, and we win our game, we’ll be in a strong position,” Broos said. “It’s not what we wanted, but that’s football. We must focus on doing our job against Rwanda.”
The stalemate with Zimbabwe left South Africa in second place with 15 points — two behind Benin Republic, who lead the group with 17. Nigeria, meanwhile, sit third with 14 points.
For Bafana Bafana to top the group and secure automatic qualification, they must defeat Rwanda and hope Nigeria overcome Benin Republic in Cotonou.
The final Group C matches are expected to provide a dramatic finish, with South Africa, Benin Republic, and Nigeria all still in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.