South Africa's national men's football team coach, Hugo Broos, has selected a provisional 36-player squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Bafana Bafana will face Nigeria's Super Eagles in Uyo on June 7th before returning home to host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11th, 2024.
According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), the final 23-man squad will be announced soon.
South Africa’s 35-man provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu, South Africa), and Ricardo Goss (Supersports United, South Africa).
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United, South Africa), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Given Msimango (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Khuliso Mudau (Sundowns, South Africa), Siyabonga Ncezana (Fotbal Club FCSB, Romania), Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Terrence Mashego (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Tapelo Xoki (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), and Thabo Maloisane (Stellenbosch, South Africa).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Grant Margeman (Supersports United, South Africa), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), and Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch, South Africa).
Forwards: Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Tshepanc Moremi (AmaZulu, South Africa), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch, South Africa), Mlondi Mbanjwa (AmaZulu FC, South Africa), Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United FC, South Africa), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City, South Africa), Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England), and Relebogile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates, South Africa).
Finidi George submits Nigeria's provisional squad list
Reports in the local media claim that Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has submitted a provisional 35-player squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the upcoming June international fixtures.
The report specifies that this is a preliminary list expected to be reduced to a final 25 players, and suggests that the squad will likely be comprised mainly of players who featured at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Invitation letters have been sent to the clubs of the shortlisted players, seeking confirmation of their availability for the upcoming matches.
Nigeria vs South Africa rivalry
Nigeria and South Africa's relationship is a complex tapestry woven with threads of political solidarity and competitive fire. During South Africa's dark days of apartheid, Nigeria emerged as a beacon of support for the African National Congress (ANC) in their fight for liberation. Military aid, financial resources, and high-level diplomatic backing from Nigeria proved crucial to the struggle that culminated in Nelson Mandela's historic election as the first Black president of South Africa in 1994.
However, a twist of fate would soon see their strong bond challenged. Mandela, a champion of human rights, vehemently opposed the Nigerian government's brutal execution of nine activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, under military leader Sani Abacha. This disagreement sparked a rivalry that transcended politics and found its expression on the football pitch.
The stage was set for a clash at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by a newly liberated South Africa. Nigeria, fresh from their 1994 AFCON victory, were favorites to defend their title. But Abacha, in a controversial move, boycotted the tournament citing concerns over player safety – a decision widely seen as retaliation for Mandela's criticism.
South Africa, in the absence of the Super Eagles, seized the opportunity and went on to claim their first and only AFCON title to date. While a historic moment for the nation, a lingering question remained: would Nigeria have retained their title if they had participated? This notion was seemingly bolstered by Nigeria's triumph at the 1996 Olympic football tournament later that year.
The rivalry continued to simmer, finally boiling over at the 2000 AFCON. In a crucial semifinal encounter, Nigeria, determined to prove their dominance, outclassed a promising South African side (Bafana Bafana). This marked the last time South Africa reached the AFCON semifinals until their recent resurgence in 2023.
The 2023 AFCON clash further emphasized Nigeria's upper hand, marking their third consecutive knockout stage victory over South Africa in the continental tournament. This on-field rivalry extends beyond the boundaries of the pitch, reflecting the complex and evolving relationship between these two African giants.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria desperately needs to pick up points in June after a disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles have drawn their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, leaving them in third place in Group C.
South Africa will lock horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the 5th of June as both sides look to secure three points en route to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
