Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will avoid defeat when they face South Africa in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Bloemfontein, according to OwnGoalNigeria.
Rohr, who led the Nigerian team for several years, highlighted his familiarity with the squad, noting that most of the players were part of his team during his tenure. “I know the Nigerian team very well. They know how to rise to the occasion against top sides like South Africa. The best result for my team will be a draw, but I am confident Nigeria won’t lose in South Africa,” Rohr told OwnGoalNigeria.com after his side, Benin Republic, secured a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.
The South African team currently leads the qualifying group but faces a potential three-point, three-goal deduction for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March. Rohr called on FIFA to enforce the punishment, drawing parallels to his own experience during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers when Nigeria suffered a points deduction due to a suspended player taking part in a match against Algeria.
“South Africa may have won against Lesotho, but the first-leg match, where the ineligible player participated, matters. The rules are very clear, yet we don’t know why FIFA and CAF haven’t yet applied the deduction. It’s incomprehensible,” Rohr stated in his press conference.
If the deduction is enforced, Nigeria’s position in the group would improve significantly, bringing them just two points behind South Africa. Rohr’s comments underline both the Super Eagles’ readiness on the pitch and the administrative uncertainties affecting the group standings.
As the World Cup qualifiers intensify, all eyes will be on the clash in Bloemfontein, with Rohr confident that Nigeria’s experience, mental strength, and tactical awareness will prevent a loss against the host nation.
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