2026 WCQ: Bafana arrives in Uyo on Wednesday to avenge Afcon defeat and the Olympics elimination of women’s team

 Afcon 2023 defeat a few weeks ago is still fresh in the mind of Bafana Bafana and they will arrive in Uyo on Wednesday for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against the Super Eagles of Nigeria to defeat the Super Eagles at home to avenge that defeat.

The contingent comprising players, backroom staff, and officials of the South African Football Association, SAFA, will travel via a chartered aircraft.

They will stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene. The team will leave Uyo immediately after the game.

Nigeria will host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday. Hugo Broos’ side will then host the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, four days later.

And Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa expects the Eagles to up their game and beat Bafana to prove that they are serious about the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Musa tells ESPN: “The game against South Africa is going to be tough because we eliminated them in the semifinal of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“And our Super Falcons also eliminated their women’s team from the Olympics, so they will come for revenge because they will not want us to eliminate them from the World Cup, too.

 “But we are playing at home so we don’t have to panic, we just have to give our best and do what we know how to do best on the pitch.”

Nigeria will be without injured superstar striker Victor Osimhen, while SA on Monday was forced to replace Grant Kekana with fellow defender Given Msimango.

 Bafana coach Hugo Broos explains: “Grant left the camp this morning after a medical check [on Sunday night]. The doctor couldn’t guarantee that he would be ready for Friday… there was even a question mark for the game on Tuesday [against Zimbabwe].

“Secondly, Khuliso Mudau, after the medical check [following a shoulder injury suffered in the Nedbank Cup final for Mamelodi Sundowns against Orlando Pirates] we were given the guarantee that it’s not that bad and that he will be ready for the game on Friday.

“Thirdly, Teboho Mokuena, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas and Ronwen Williams. There is nothing to worry about, it’s just little problems. There will be no problem for Friday.”

Broos adds: “Ronwen will train a little bit less [than the other players] because he has a shoulder issue.”

With four rounds left to play in Group C, SA are second to unbeaten Rwanda after beating Benin 2-1 and then losing to the log leaders 2-0. Nigeria are third after two draws.