SAFA President Backs Super Eagles to Win World Cup Playoff

In a notable display of cross-border sportsmanship, Danny Jordan, the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has publicly thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria, backing them to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off final. This declaration is particularly significant as South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, recently edged out Nigeria to claim the automatic qualification spot in the highly competitive Group C, intensifying the existing rivalry between the two African football giants.

Nigeria and the DRC are now set for a decisive, winner-takes-all clash that will determine which nation secures a coveted ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to be held at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. The proximity of the rivalry, combined with the recent group stage competition, makes Jordan’s public endorsement a powerful statement of unity and respect within African football.

The South African football chief conveyed his well wishes to the Nigerian contingent in a short video posted on SAFA’s official X account. Jordan’s statement was gracious, recalling the intense competition they recently shared. “Nigeria was in our group; it was a tight group and very stressful. I want to wish Nigeria the best in their match against the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Jordan stated, acknowledging the difficulty of the qualification process. He also made sure to extend personal greetings to the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), specifically mentioning his friend, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, and the current president, Ibrahim Gusau, wishing them success in the final hurdle of qualification.

Jordan’s expressed confidence in the Nigerian team was rooted in the sheer talent and global recognition of the Super Eagles squad. He emphasized the quality and depth of the Nigerian players, noting their potential to overcome their opponents. “Nigeria is a big team; they have players who are among the best in the world, and I hope they will play true to their form and ability and get a good result,” he added. This statement underscores the widespread acknowledgment across the continent of Nigeria’s status as a formidable football nation.

The critical encounter, which carries the hopes of millions of Nigerian fans, is scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 8:00 pm Nigerian time. The Super Eagles will be aiming to harness their collective strength and individual brilliance to secure victory, fulfilling both their own ambition and the surprising well wishes of a major rival’s leadership, thereby sealing their place at the global tournament in 2026. The match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the qualification campaign, with the entire continent watching.