South Africa boss Hugo Broos says the pressure is on Nigeria ahead of their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
A win for Bafana at the Free State Stadium would all but secure their place in the quadrennial showpiece taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, but could also end Nigeria’s hopes of a first final appearance since 2018.
Broos’ side is currently top of Group C with 16 points from seven games, while the Super Eagles are in third with 10 points, with three games left to play.
Bafana will qualify for the World Cup if they beat Nigeria and if Benin fail to beat Lesotho.
Speaking after guiding his side to a five-point lead with their 3-0 demolition of Lesotho last time out, Broos explained his team is prepared to put in a strong performance against Nigeria.
He said in the Citizen: “It is a big opportunity. We know if we win the game, we are qualified. Not mathematically, but it will be a miracle if we don’t qualify.”
“If Nigeria do not win they will be in big trouble, the pressure is on them.
“But it will be a tough game. We will try to win like we do in every game. We are playing a very good opponent. Just because Nigeria are six points behind us we must not think they are not good.
“They have players playing abroad in big teams in Europe, that means they have quality. But we are not scared of playing them tomorrow.”