Ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash, Stanley Nwabali has stated that South Africa's Bafana Bafana are not on the same level as the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles and South Africa will square off on matchday three of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Earlier this year, both teams met at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, in which the Super Eagles won on a penalty shoot-out to advance to the final.
17:59 - 31.05.2024
‘There’s no debate’ - Stanley Nwabali claims there is no competition with Maduka Okoye
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has stated that he sees no reason to compete with the rising sensation for a starting spot in the national team.
02:40 - 28.05.2024
Stanley Nwabali provides fresh update on his future ahead of South Africa, Benin clashes
The Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, hinted at his future following the end of the South African top-flight season.
However, despite how tough the Bafana Bafana may be, Nwabali believes they are nowhere near the Super Eagles team.
Nwabali on South Africa’s team
Coach Hugo Broos of South Africa has assembled a dream team, with nine players from African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Nwabali thinks Nigeria has better players in their ranks and an advantage against South Africa.
Speaking to Lagos Talks on 91.3 FM, Nwabali was questioned about how tough the match versus South Africa would be.
He said, "Football is the same everywhere, but I don't feel with the kind of players we have, we can have any challenge in any game, especially in our group. But you cannot predict football.
"Talking about South African players, I would say I know them. We have good players in our country too, so I'm not talking about those guys, they are good in their own way of playing.
"I'm not talking about them because if we can put ourselves together, they cannot match us."
On Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.