Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis is urging his Bafana Bafana teammates to remain grounded and focused on the immediate challenge of facing Nigeria, even as their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying dream comes into view.
South Africa took a significant stride toward the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after a convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho on Saturday.
The win at Free State Stadium put Bafana Bafana at the top of Group C with 16 points, a five-point lead over second-placed Benin with three matches remaining.
Read: Bafana Bafana Receives Major Boost Ahead of Super Eagles Showdown
Despite this commanding position, Appollis told Eyewitness News that the team cannot afford to look too far ahead. “Obviously it [the World Cup finals] is on all our minds,” he said, “but this game is going to be very difficult, and we don’t want to think about that now.”
Appollis emphasized the importance of concentrating on the task at hand. “Most important is to think how to be successful on Tuesday and how to overcome the opponents we are facing.”
He acknowledged the formidable talent within the Super Eagles squad, highlighting their many players who compete in top European leagues.
“We are playing a Nigerian team with so much talent playing in Europe,” Appollis added.
“They have won trophies, some of them play in the (English) Premier League so it is motivating for us as South Africans to play these big teams.”
The highly anticipated clash between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles is set to take place in Bloemfontein at the Toyota Stadium. Kick off is set for 18h00 on Tuesday, 09 September 2025.