Former Bafana Bafana coach Augusto Palacios has urged the South Africa national team players to stay calm and focused ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
According to him, even though Nigeria have an array of big-name players in their team, Bafana Bafana shouldn’t be intimidated by these names.
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Nigeria have already touched down in Bloemfontein with a star-studded squad featuring CAF African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Premier League stars led by Alex Iwobi, and other high-profile internationals.
However, the three-time African champions will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury during their narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
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For Palacios, though, the names on paper won’t decide the match.
“Sometimes names don’t mean anything in football, it’s 11 vs 11,” the veteran coach was quoted on South African football site Kickoff.
The 73-year-old expressed full confidence in young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, believing he has what it takes to marshal Bafana’s backline against the dangerous Super Eagles attack.
“It’s going to be a big test for Mbokazi to face a team of Nigeria’s calibre with big international players, but I believe the boy is ready. He is strong and confident. He has already played some of the big games in Africa, and I believe he will do well against any player that he will come face-to-face with against Nigeria,” he continued.
Palacios, who has played a key role in developing several Bafana stars, also reserved special praise for Lyle Foster, who scored the second goal in Bafana’s 3-0 win over Lesotho last Friday.
READ ALSO: World Cup Qualifier: Bafana Bafana players confident as showdown with Nigeria looms
“I pray that he stays injury-free. He is doing well, and this is good for Bafana Bafana.”
He also celebrated the progress of Thabiso Monyane, another of his academy graduates, who recently earned a national team call-up.
“I am also happy to see Thabiso Monyane receiving his call-up with Bafana Bafana. Remember, they both arrived when they were 12 years old at my Academy before transferring to Orlando Pirates when they were 15 years old,” said Palacios.
With South Africa sitting top of Group C and Nigeria chasing qualification, Palacios believes that focus, composure, and teamwork will be Bafana Bafana’s biggest weapons against a star-filled Nigerian side at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday evening.
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