Nigeria vs South Africa: Finidi George Confidently Dissects Bafana's Strengths and Weaknesses

• The Super Eagles will face South Africa's Bafana on June 7 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series
• The fixture marks the first meeting between both teams since the AFCON semi-final clash in Ivory Coast
• Nigeria’s coach, Finidi George, has hinted at knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the South Africans

The anticipation for the June FIFA World Cup qualification series is intensifying, and the Super Eagles are set to face off against South Africa.

In the lead-up to this high-stakes match, key figures and stakeholders from both teams have expressed confidence in their abilities to secure victory, and the latest to voice his thoughts is the newly appointed manager of the Nigerian team, Finidi George.

The 53-year-old Nigerian manager believes he has a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of South Africa's national team ahead of this crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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Finidi speaks on Nigeria's clash against South Africa

Speaking at a press briefing, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer, the former Enyimba coach highlighted the expertise of his carefully selected assistants, who he believes will help secure a crucial win against Hugo Broos' Bafana side.

During the media session in Lagos, the 53-year-old coach praised his video analyst, Mehmet Ozturk, for providing in-depth information on the South African team, including detailed breakdowns of each player’s capabilities.

“It’s a well-calculated selection; we also have a fitness coach, which is essential in modern-day football, and a match analyst. What Mehmet has done so far is amazing,” Finidi remarked.

He continued, “The analysis he has sent me, detailing each opponent player’s strengths and weaknesses, is incredible. It’s not that I’m not watching, but having someone break it down in this way is fantastic.”

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Nigeria will host South Africa in Uyo as they seek their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series. This encounter will also be the first meeting between these African football powerhouses since their thrilling semi-final clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Key concerns from Finidi’s Super Eagles squad

In a previous report, Sports Brief highlighted key concerns regarding coach Finidi's inaugural squad list for the fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The roster of the three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners featured some notable absentees, including AFCON MVP, William Troost-Ekong.