The central defender, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, dismissed any talk of arrogance or complacency ahead of the clash. Instead, he stressed that the Eagles are determined to keep their World Cup dream alive.
“We defeated them at the Africa Cup but that is in the past and some changes have been made to both teams since then,” Ekong said. “Our approach will be devoid of arrogance; we will play with level heads and go all out for victory. There will be no arrogance but we will not be diffident either. South Africa is a good team that we respect, but we just have to go on the pitch and play our game. Our objective has not changed; we want to go to the FIFA World Cup finals next year.”
On the other side, Bafana Bafana coach Eric Chelle promised an aggressive start from his side, saying his players are ready to fight for maximum points in front of their home supporters. “We have come here to play for the three points, so we will be sending out the team that will get the job done,” Chelle stated. “We are happy to have overcome Rwanda but we have to conquer here tomorrow in order to be in a good position for the qualification.”
Chelle has enjoyed a strong run since taking charge, collecting seven points from a possible nine in his first three games. He believes his group is capable of upsetting Nigeria and boosting their chances of securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Tope Ajayi, visited the team after their final training session at the Toyota Stadium on Monday. He urged the players to rise to the occasion, describing the fixture as a defining moment in the qualification race.
“I have the confidence that we will win, and many South Africans also believe that Nigeria will win,” Ajayi said. “We should go out there and play with gusto, confidence and courage, and refuse to be intimidated by anything. When the Super Falcons came here to play the Banyana Banyana, I told them before the game that I could see them returning to the Olympics after 16 years, and they did. Now, I am telling you that I am seeing you at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and it will be so.”
The eagerly awaited Group C encounter between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will kick off at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.