Super Eagles Coordinator Patrick Pascal Calls for Strong Fan Support Ahead of South Africa Clash

• The Nigerian national team locks horns with South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the crunch FIFA qualification fixture
• A victory for the Super Eagles will vastly improve their underwhelming start to their 2026 qualification campaign
• Team coordinator of the Super Eagles has urged Nigerian fans to emulate Ivory Coast during the crucial fixture

Round three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series is fast approaching, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria set to clash with South Africa.

The match, scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, is crucial for both teams to rejuvenate their qualification campaigns.

However, in the lead-up to this fixture, discussions have been rampant in the Nigerian football community regarding the optimal strategy for Coach Finidi George to secure a victory.

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Nonetheless, amidst these debates, team coordinator of the Nigerian team, Patrick Pascal, has called on the fans to provide robust support, reminiscent of the passionate backing the Ivorian fans displayed during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Patrick Pascal's message to Super Eagles fans

In an interview with Sports Brief, the 49-year-old emphasised the impact that fan support can have on a game.

"The message is simple: Nigeria is our only country, so let's unite to support our team from the first whistle. We've witnessed incredible support, like in Abidjan during AFCON, where the fans' energy remained high even after conceding one goal.

We need that same level of passion here. Our players need to believe they can achieve greatness, and that belief comes from the support of our fans. This is an important World Cup qualifier.”

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The team coordinator also called on fans to pack the stadium and show the Super Eagles their unwavering support.

"It's important to remember that this is not just about the coach or the NFF leadership—it's about Nigeria. Our players are giving their all for our country, so let's support them with all our heart."

The Super Eagles will be aiming to replicate their 2017 feat when they defeated a Hugo Broos-led side four-nil in Uyo, according to data from Fotmob.

Broos dismisses Bafana's revenge narrative

Sports Brief in a previous report stated coach of the South African team, Hugo Broos, has dismissed revenge talks ahead of the showdown with Nigeria.

The septuagenarian stressed the importance of his side claiming victory as against any iota of vengeance.