Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and current coach, Greg Etafia, has urged Nigeria’s national team to focus on securing victory against Lesotho, while expressing belief that Zimbabwe’s Warriors could spring a surprise against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Etafia, who spent several years playing and coaching in South Africa, said he knows the mentality of both teams well and believes Zimbabwe have enough fight and quality to trouble Hugo Broos’ men in Polokwane.
Read Also: Ikpeba Warns: Missing Another World Cup Would Be a National Disaster
“People underestimate Zimbabwe, but they always rise to the occasion, especially against South Africa,” Etafia said. “They are not afraid of anyone. If they play with discipline and intensity, they can frustrate Bafana Bafana and even take points off them.
The former Moroka Swallows and Platinum Stars shot-stopper noted, however, that Nigeria must first handle their own business before looking at results elsewhere. He warned the Super Eagles not to underrate Lesotho, who have proven to be resilient opponents throughout the qualification campaign.
“We can’t depend on favours,” Etafia stressed. “The Super Eagles must do their job. The match against Lesotho is non-negotiable — they have to win it, and win convincingly. Only then can we start hoping for results from other matches to go our way.”
Etafia described the points deduction handed to South Africa by FIFA as a “second chance” for Nigeria and urged the players to take advantage of it.
“Football is about opportunities,” he added. “Nigeria has just been handed one. We’ve been given a lifeline, and now it’s time to take it with both hands. If Zimbabwe get something from their match and we win ours, the table can change completely.”
With just two rounds of fixtures left, Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive — but only if they can turn belief into results.
