Don't write-off Nigeria - South Africa coach speaks on 2026 World Cup qualifiers

South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos, has revealed that any team can still secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group C.

Broos is confident that his team can capitalise on their comfortable position in Group C.

Broos revealed the importance of the March qualifiers, where South Africa will host Lesotho and face Benin.

The coach acknowledged that the March fixtures could determine which teams remain in contention for qualification.

He said, "We now have seven points, and then I count six (in March), it's 13. And then we have four games, which tally up to 12 points. I think if you have 16-17 points, you have qualified.

"All the teams are still in the running. Therefore, March can be a key month, and things will be a little bit clearer.

"And then after that, we can say, for example, Rwanda is out. Again, that's why it's very important to win the two games (against Lesotho and Benin)," he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around after a poor start to the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C with just three points, having recorded three draws and one loss in their first four matches.

The Super Eagles must secure wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to stay in contention and avoid back-to-back World Cup absences.

The current standings in Group C have Rwanda leading with seven points, ahead of South Africa and Benin on goal difference. Lesotho sits fourth with five points, while Nigeria and Zimbabwe trail behind with three and two points, respectively.