Doctor Khumalo Names Who Will Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup Between Bafana Bafana and Nigeria

• Doctor Khumalo is impressed with South Africa's performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Bafana Bafana legend is rooting for Hugo Broos' side to pick up the FIFA World Cup ticket for the nation
• South Africa and Nigeria are drawn in the same group in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

South African football legend Doctor Khumalo has suggested that Bafana Bafana will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of Nigeria.

The 56-year-old says he is confident that Hugo Broos can lead the side to pick up the ticket ahead of the Super Eagles.

Broos led Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

On the other end, Nigeria finished as runner-up after losing 2-1 to the hosts in an extraordinary final in Abidjan.

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Recall that Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-final of the competition via a penalty shootout.

Both teams are drawn in the same group in the World Cup qualifiers alongside Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Benin.

Speaking with SABC News, Khumalo suggested that, with their performance in Ivory Coast, South Africa should pick the Cup ticket over Nigeria.

He said via Times Live:

“For them to qualify, let’s not dismantle it; it’s not yet broken. So, let’s give Hugo [South Africa coach] support.

“Helman and the background staff, and the boys, let’s allow them to continue the way they did in Ivory Coast.

“I would like to believe that Nigeria is in our group, but from what I have seen in Ivory Coast, I can bet all my money that SA can overcome that obstacle.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles started their campaign on a poor note with draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. South Africa successfully defeated Benin in their first match but lost to Rwanda in their second game.

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Broos speaks on Lyle Foster's situation

Sports Brief earlier reported that Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, is determined to resolve the uncertainty surrounding striker Lyle Foster's availability for upcoming international friendlies.

Broos aims to engage face-to-face with Foster to clarify his situation and ascertain his willingness to represent South Africa in matches against Andorra and Algeria next month.

Expressing his frustration, the Belgian manager highlighted the player's withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 squad despite subsequently playing full matches for Burnley Football Club in the Premier League shortly afterwards.